The US Department of Justice is taking legal action against Texas for installing floating barriers on the Rio Grande River that forms the border with Mexico. According to the Justice Department’s letter to Texas officials, the border barriers are stopping migrants trying to enter the United States from Mexico.

“The actions of the State of Texas violate federal law, raise humanitarian concerns, pose serious risks to public safety and the environment, and may interfere with the performance of official federal government duties,” the prosecutor writes.

‘Unlawful prohibition’

In response to the Justice Department’s warning, Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott tweeted Friday that the state has the right to secure its border with Mexico. According to a letter sent to Abbott and Texas’ interim attorney general, the large plastic floats placed in the river near the town of Eagle Pass earlier this month are an illegal contraband.

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Abbott has taken steps in recent years to crack down on immigrants crossing the border illegally. For example, he has deployed thousands of National Guard troops and bussed immigrants to cities in the American North.