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.