Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham (R) backs stronger border security, but she says that does not give federal officials permission to disregard Texas property rights.
In an interview on Let’s Talk Local with host Sarah Zubiate-Bennett, Buckingham explains why she challenged U.S. Customs and Border Protection over land clearing her office said damaged state property used to generate revenue for Texas schoolchildren.
“You can’t just let somebody step on state land and do whatever the heck they want because they’re trust lands,” Buckingham said.
The General Land Office announced the cease-and-desist action July 31, alleging that a federal contractor cleared state land without authorization. The Dallas Express previously covered the dispute.
Buckingham says her responsibility to protect that land remains the same regardless of who occupies the White House. She also describes efforts to disrupt cartel activity along the Rio Grande, including declaring river islands state property.
“We’re just going to take away every cartel safe haven we can,” she said.
The conversation also turns to the Alamo. Buckingham outlines plans for a temporary protective structure over the landmark while crews replace its roof and address structural concerns, explaining why visitors could see an unfamiliar sight during the restoration.
Watch the segment below for Buckingham’s explanation of where she draws the line with Washington and why she considers preserving the Alamo among her office’s most important responsibilities.
