Texas mulls state-run border protection amid migration surge, end of Title 42

Texas lawmakers are mulling a plan to create a state-run border enforcement group amid dissatisfaction with the Biden administration's handling of border security and an onset of new arrivals.

Under the proposed H.B. 20, the state would create a "border protection unit" with the power to "arrest, apprehend or detain persons crossing the Texas-Mexico border unlawfully," according to The Hill. The enforcement group would operate in the counties directly bordering Mexico.

The measure would further make it a felony to deliberately trespass on private land to enter the Lone Star State, effectively limiting arrivals to ports of entry, the outlet noted. 

Texas Democrats have expressed concerns that such an organization is likely to engage in racial profiling or other discriminatory policies. 

The plan is almost certain to face challenges from the federal government, which has traditionally been responsible for enforcing border security. The recent slew of arrivals at the southern border, however, has placed considerable strain on border forces amid the end of the Title 42 pandemic order.

That directive had allowed border agents to swiftly deport migrants should they hail from a country known to host a communicable disease. Tens of thousands of migrants have arrived this week, coinciding with the order's expiration.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.