Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has been at odds with the Biden administration over border policies, particularly through initiatives like Operation Lone Star and Senate Bill 4. Operation Lone Star, a multibillion-dollar border security measure launched in March 2021, involved deploying thousands of National Guard soldiers and state troopers to address illegal migration and drug trafficking. However, the program expanded beyond traditional law enforcement to allowing state and local officers to arrest migrants on trespassing charges and build sections of border wall, drawing criticism from human rights advocates.

Senate Bill 4, passed by Texas, made it a state crime for migrants to enter Texas without legal documentation and authorized the state to deport undocumented individuals. Challenges arose as a trial judge placed the law on hold due to potential violations of federal government's immigration regulation authority. The conservative U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit overturned the judge's decision, and the Supreme Court later allowed the law to take effect temporarily pending further litigation, indicating the ongoing legal battle around the state's immigration enforcement efforts.

Governor Abbott's actions in cities like Eagle Pass, where razor wire was installed along the Rio Grande border, have added to the tension with the federal government. Despite measures to deter migrants, such as deploying troops and creating operating bases, Abbott's approach has faced pushback from some residents. Furthermore, his decision to bus thousands of migrants to cities like New York and Chicago has stirred controversy, with concerns over the strain on resources and the impact on local communities.