Texas Forced to Remove Controversial Border Buoys Following US Judge's Order

A US federal judge has ordered Texas to remove a controversial floating border barrier from the Rio Grande, citing concerns over endangering migrants and violating treaty agreements with Mexico. The judge questioned the effectiveness of the barriers and ordered them to be moved by September 15. Texas has filed an appeal, with Governor Greg Abbott calling the ruling an attack on the state's "sovereign authority." The buoys, installed as part of Operation Lone Star, have been criticized as a dangerous political stunt. The Department of Justice sued Texas for refusing to remove the barrier, alleging violations of federal law. Abbott's administration has faced scrutiny for its tactics along the border, including allegations of pushing struggling migrants back into the river.