The Biden administration has sued Texas over a floating barrier installed by the state in the Rio Grande river to deter migrants on the US-Mexico border.

The barrier, made partly of orange buoys attached by webbings, was announced by state’s Republican governor Greg Abbott in early June.

Federal authorities believe the barrier illegally obstructs the Rio Grande near the Texas town of Eagle Pass.

State officials have argued it will help secure the border.

The barriers are already the subject of another lawsuit from a local kayak company.

Immigrant advocates have said it may be ineffective and potentially dangerous to migrants.