Department of Justice seeks preliminary injunction against Texas over barriers in Rio Grande

(NBC) - The Department of Justice is seeking a preliminary injunction against Texas over floating barriers in Rio Grande.

In the 25-page filing, federal prosecutors said the injunction was needed to prevent "irreparable harm" to foreign relations.

The department is asking the U.S. District Court for the western district of Texas to block the construction of any new floating barriers and to force the state to remove existing barriers within 10 days of the requested order.

Earlier this week, the Justice Department sued Texas over the floating barriers which were installed by the state as part of Republican Governor Greg Abbott's border operation, arguing they did so without authorization.

The lawsuit argues that Abbott and the State of Texas are violating the Rivers and Harbors Appropriation Act.