Texas Commissioner Halted Federal Border Land Clearing
Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham issued a cease-and-desist order to federal contractors on July 31, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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On July 31, 2026, Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham issued a cease-and-desist order against U.S. Customs and Border Protection for unauthorized land clearing. The General Land Office alleged that a federal contractor cleared state land without obtaining proper authorization.
Why it matters
The action serves to protect state lands, which are used to generate revenue to fund Texas schools. Additionally, the office has declared Rio Grande river islands as state property to disrupt operations currently used as safe havens by cartels.
The General Land Office issued the formal cease-and-desist action on July 31, 2026, to halt activity by federal contractors on state-managed land. The legal validity of the state's property claims over specific Rio Grande islands remains a point of jurisdictional contention.
The players
Dawn Buckingham
She serves as the Texas Land Commissioner and manages state trust lands that provide funding for public education.
General Land Office
This state agency oversees public land management, mineral rights, and historical preservation efforts throughout Texas.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
This federal law enforcement agency is responsible for regulating and facilitating international trade and enforcing immigration laws along the U.S. border.
The details
The Texas Land Office is asserting its authority over state trust lands while also pivoting to interior preservation projects, including upcoming structural repairs at the Alamo. Restoration plans include installing a temporary protective structure to address roof and structural concerns at the historic site.
Timeline
July 31, 2026: The General Land Office issued a cease-and-desist action against federal contractors.
Legal Context
The state's aggressive assertion of land ownership over river islands follows a broader trend of utilizing property designations to challenge federal jurisdictional authority in border disputes. This move aligns with established state-level efforts to reclaim territory to bolster regional security and prevent criminal exploitation.
The dispute over land clearing and state property designations signifies an increase in friction between state and federal authorities regarding border operations. Residents may see continued state activity along the Rio Grande as the Land Office works to implement its new property designations.
The takeaway
This conflict highlights the ongoing tension regarding property rights and jurisdiction over territory along the U.S.-Mexico border. It demonstrates the state's intent to prioritize regional security and school funding by actively managing land previously utilized by federal contractors.
Further reading
Learn more about local oversight in our Law Enforcement section.
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Should federal agencies be required to obtain permission before using state-owned land for border security?
