Texas group sues to stop border fence

WASHINGTON, May 18 (UPI) -- The Texas Border Coalition, which includes a number of cities along the U.S.-Mexico border has filed a lawsuit against the border fence.

In court papers filed Friday in Washington, the group asked a court to block the construction of the fence in the Rio Grande Valley.

The coalition, which also includes business groups, charges that the Department of Homeland Security did not consult landowners in the area. DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff denied that in a news conference Friday.

Eagle Pass Mayor Chad Foster, who chairs the coalition, called the fence "an antiquated solution for a 21st century problem."