Small business owner sues Greg Abbott over Rio Grande buoys.

Local Business Owner Files Lawsuit Against Gov. Greg Abbott Over Buoys in Rio Grande

Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) is facing legal action from Jesse Fuentes, owner of Epi’s Canoe & Kayak Team, after the installation of buoys in the Rio Grande. Fuentes wasted no time and filed a lawsuit just hours after the buoys were deployed, claiming that his company will suffer significant losses due to the obstruction caused by the buoys. He argues that this installation will result in immediate and irreparable harm to his business, which has been operating since 2015 in Eagle Pass, located directly across the river from Coahuila, Mexico.

Abbott Accused of Misusing Texas Disaster Act

The lawsuit also accuses Gov. Abbott of misusing the Texas Disaster Act. In addition to implementing the buoys, Abbott has used this act to apprehend immigrants and transport them to various cities, including Chicago, Washington, D.C., and New York City. Fuentes’ attorney, Carlos E. Flores, criticized Abbott’s actions, stating, “The Governor proclaims to support law and order, yet he initiated Operation Lone Star without legal authority and seeks to install buoys to score political points without a legitimate public policy objective.”

Fuentes claims that even before the buoys were deployed, the closure of Shelby Boat Ramp to non-law enforcement officials and the presence of an Operation Lone Star security guard post had already impacted his business’s revenue. Now, Fuentes is seeking a permanent injunction against the buoys.

“We will see you in court,” Abbott responded defiantly on Twitter. “And don’t think the Travis Co. Court will be the end of it. This is going to the Supreme Court. Texas has a constitutional right to secure our border.”

Protesters Gather at Rio Grande

Protesters gathered at the Rio Grande on Friday, holding signs denouncing the installation of the buoys and expressing their opposition.

These buoys, stretching approximately 1,000 feet in length, have cost the state around $1 million. This expense is part of the $5.1 billion allocated by the Texas legislature for border security.

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