The US Supreme Court on Monday allowed President Joe Biden’s administration to remove barbed wire installed by Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott on the border with Mexico amid political tension over migration, AFP reports.

An outspoken supporter of Donald Trump, who made the fight against immigration one of the main themes of his election campaign, Abbott has openly challenged the Biden administration, accusing it of “deliberate inaction” in the face of a record influx of migrants into the United States. border in recent months.

In December, a federal appeals court barred federal border police from removing or dismantling barbed wire installed by Texas authorities near the border town of Eagle Pass unless warranted by a medical emergency.

In early January, the Ministry of Justice asked the Supreme Court to lift the ban pending a decision on the merits. On Monday, the court upheld the request by five votes to four, including a request by its president, John Roberts.

Four of the six members of the conservative majority voted against the decision, but did not explain the reasons for their dissent.

Additionally, the Texas National Guard’s takeover of Municipal Park at Eagle Pass on the Rio Grande since January 11 has caused controversy between the Biden administration and Governor Abbott.

The Justice Department accused the governor of preventing federal border patrol officers from carrying out their mission by “blocking them from border access, even in emergency situations” along the river for about 2.3 miles (3.7 km), a claim Texas officials deny.