Worth Repeating.....
Abbott close the border yet? YET?
I hope you don't think Alan West would have had it done already.
Immigration and protecting the borders is without question a federal issue. Abbott had to wait until it's very clear to the citizens of Texas that the state is being forced to go outside the Constitution to take it upon itself to close the border.
Texas taking action to close the border is in effect a direct step toward secession. This is a big deal and Abbott must have full support of the citizens of Texas. It would be a no easier for West and in fact he would most likely have a much much more difficult time.