Staff Reports
In a development that should send shockwaves through the Biden-Harris administration, a federal judge has ruled in favor of Arizona rancher Steven Smith, who took on the government’s reckless handling of border security and immigration policy. The judge’s decision exposes the administration’s flouting of federal environmental guidelines by halting the construction of the border wall and dismantling key Trump-era policies designed to maintain order at the southern border. This ruling not only highlights the ineptitude of the current administration but underscores the importance of upholding effective border security measures.
Steven Smith, a lifelong resident of Cochise County, Arizona, joined other plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for its blatant disregard of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The lawsuit argued that by ceasing border wall construction and terminating the Migrant Protection Protocols, commonly known as “Remain in Mexico,” the Biden administration failed to conduct essential environmental reviews. These policies, which had formed the backbone of President Trump’s immigration strategy, were scrapped in a hurry, with little thought to their consequences.
Harris and Biden will do almost anything to get more illegals in. https://t.co/Ysa3gBrVt2
— Jenna Ellis (@realJennaEllis) October 4, 2024
The evidence presented in court made it abundantly clear that the administration’s abrupt policy reversals led to real harm, especially for those residing in border states. Smith relayed how an influx of illegal immigration turned his ranch into a free-for-all, with migrants trespassing, pilfering water, and littering his land. The ensuing chaos disturbed his livestock so much that some cattle even died from ingesting trash left behind by these migrants. It was hard to imagine a more damning indictment of the administration’s policies than this direct line from the president’s office to the destruction of a rancher’s livelihood.
The crux of the case revolved around the NEPA, which requires federal agencies to evaluate the environmental impacts of their actions before proceeding. Yet, in its fervor to roll back Trump-era successes, DHS decided to skip this crucial step entirely. The court recognized just how significant these “major federal actions” were, ruling that the Biden administration’s hasty reversals without the proper environmental assessment were illegal. This decision serves as a reminder that even the government isn’t above the law, despite what some may believe.
U.S. District Judge Trevor N. McFadden didn’t mince words. He made it clear that the Biden administration’s failure to conduct a proper environmental review when scrapping border wall construction and the Migrant Protection Protocols was not just a minor oversight—it was a blatant violation of NEPA. The ruling also indicated that unsanctioned policy changes led to a surge in illegal immigration, which profoundly affected ranchers like Smith. The judge’s decision ultimately places the blame squarely on the Biden administration and sets the stage for continued legal challenges, which could lead to a reinvigoration of border security initiatives.
As the saga of immigration policy and border security unfolds, this ruling underscores the importance of continuing the fight for a stronger border. Supporters of the border wall will undoubtedly seize upon this victory to illustrate how essential such measures are, not just for national security but to protect the environment from the fallout of unchecked illegal immigration. With tensions rising and the stakes higher than ever, it is clear that the battle for America’s border isn’t over just yet.
