Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick announced a halt to the auction of border wall materials, following widespread outrage among Republicans who argued the sale undermined President-elect Donald Trump’s plans to resume construction of the border wall.
Patrick criticized the Biden administration’s handling of the materials, dubbing it the “Great Biden Christmas Border Wall Heist.”
The issue emerged after reports surfaced that steel panels and other materials meant for the border wall were being relocated and sold at auction. Patrick, alongside Trump, intervened to prevent the sale.
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Patrick revealed that Texas had purchased $12 million worth of border wall materials earlier this year, acquiring about four miles of panels at a substantial savings to taxpayers. However, recent auctions were conducted without notifying state officials. According to Patrick, “They moved the wall materials over the weekend and started auctioning them off in Arizona.”
Patrick stated that Trump’s public warning about the legality of the auction, combined with Texas’ swift action, led to the cancellation of the sale. “President Trump caught them red-handed. Don’t mess with Trump, and don’t mess with Texas,” he said.
With Trump set to take office in January, Republican officials, including Patrick and Texas Governor Greg Abbott, have pledged full support for resuming wall construction. Patrick emphasized Texas’ proactive border security measures, noting the state has spent billions to address border issues during the Biden administration.
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“Texas is ready to help President Trump rebuild the wall and protect Americans,” Patrick said. “We have our checkbook in hand and are prepared to buy any remaining materials to support his efforts.”
The halted auction highlights broader Republican concerns over border security. Former Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Tom Homan recently called for increased funding to expand detention capacity and enhance deportation efforts. Homan stated, “We need at least 100,000 beds to address the crisis effectively.”
The controversy also underscores a shift in immigration policies under Trump’s incoming administration. New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat, acknowledged the need to secure borders, signaling bipartisan frustration with the current state of immigration enforcement.
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The halted auction highlights broader Republican concerns over border security. Former Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Tom Homan recently called for increased funding to expand detention capacity and enhance deportation efforts. Homan stated, “We need at least 100,000 beds to address the crisis effectively.”
The controversy also underscores a shift in immigration policies under Trump’s incoming administration. New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat, acknowledged the need to secure borders, signaling bipartisan frustration with the current state of immigration enforcement.
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