Elon Musk has revived a long-running border enforcement controversy by sharing a viral video that claims the Biden–Harris administration used a forklift to lift razor-wire barriers along the Texas–Mexico border. Musk posted the clip on 16 November 2025 with the single-word caption “Never”, immediately pulling an old dispute between Texas and federal authorities back into national debate.
The resurfaced video and Elon Musk’s comment
The clip Musk shared originally circulated in September 2024.it shows US Border Patrol agents using machinery, including a forklift, to remove or lift Texas-installed concertina wire near Eagle Pass. Texas had placed the wire along key crossing points to deter illegal entries from Mexico.Musk offered no further explanation beyond his caption, but the post quickly went viral and reignited discussions about state–federal tensions over border control.
Legal and political background
The video relates to a period in 2023 and 2024 when Texas and federal authorities clashed over the use of razor-wire barriers. Texas argued that the wire was essential for border security. Federal agents sometimes removed sections of it to assist migrants already on US territory or to perform enforcement duties. The dispute led to a series of court decisions:In January 2024, the US Supreme Court allowed federal agents to remove the wire when necessary.In November 2024, an appeals court temporarily restricted further destruction of state-installed barriers.The issue remained politically sensitive into 2025, with both sides emphasising different legal responsibilities.
Public reaction and ongoing debate
- “In 2021, Biden admin sent forklifts to remove razor wire Texas placed at Eagle Pass. Border Patrol cut it 3 times in one week to let 2,100 migrants cross. Texas sued, won at SCOTUS 5-4. The video is real.”
- “Border Patrol lifting up Texas’ razor wire like it’s a red carpet for illegals.”
- “I remember as if it were yesterday, that and the blood red speech where Joe Biden called half the US extremists.”
- “I’m old enough to remember when the Biden Administration took Texas to court to take down wire fences.”
- “I grew up in El Paso, TX. The border NEVER looked like that. Not steady streams of hundreds of people.”
- “When Texas requested assistance, the entire admin ignored our request. I’m a 911 dispatcher and the number of calls was ridiculous.”
Why the clip has resurfaced now
Musk’s repost has brought renewed visibility to a dispute that had faded from mainstream attention. His comment echoed arguments raised during the original controversy, but the video also functions as a reminder of the broader debate over the balance between state-led deterrence and federal enforcement duties.The Biden–Harris administration has previously stated that federal personnel must retain the ability to respond to migrants in distress and perform functions required under federal law. Texas, meanwhile, has argued for greater autonomy in securing border sections within its territory.