On Saturday, the US Department of Homeland Security reported that Texas refused access to federal agents attempting to rescue three migrants who drowned along a section of the border.
This information from the federal government was disclosed several hours after U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar stated that the Texas Military Department and Texas National Guard had “denied access to Border Patrol agents for the purpose of rescuing the migrants” on Friday night.
The bodies of a woman and two children were later recovered by Mexican authorities on Saturday, situated across the border from Eagle Pass, Texas.
Drownings Fuel Tensions in Texas-US Immigration Clash
This information from the federal government was disclosed several hours after U.S.
The incidents of drowning have occurred amidst heightened tensions between Texas and the US government regarding immigration enforcement.
On Friday, the Justice Department informed the US Supreme Court that Texas had assumed control of an area named Shelby Park in Eagle Pass, preventing Border Patrol agents from entering.
The Texas Military Department released a statement on Saturday night, indicating that one of its units conducted a river search after receiving an alert from Border Patrol about the situation. However, no migrants were found during the search.
The statement did not address the assertions by the US government that Texas authorities had physically obstructed Border Patrol agents from entering the park at that time.
Homeland Security affirmed Representative Cuellar’s description of the distress call.
In a submission to the US Supreme Court on Saturday, Texas acknowledged taking control of the city park on the border but contended that the federal government had misconstrued its actions, emphasizing efforts to resolve any disputes over access.
Abbott’s Operation Lone Star Targets Key Migrant Route
The park is situated in a prominent passageway for migrants entering the country unlawfully from Mexico and serves as the focal point of Governor Abbott’s proactive initiatives to thwart such entries, recognized as Operation Lone Star.
The Rio Grande’s currents, at times, lead migrants to perilous outcomes, including drowning.
While the city owns the 50-acre park, it is utilized by the state Department of Public Safety and the Texas Military Department for the surveillance of border crossings.
Despite a reduction in daily crossings from the thousands to approximately 500, state authorities have erected barriers and positioned military vehicles near the entrance this week to restrict public and Border Patrol agent access, as per details in a court filing.