There is a new military base being constructed in Texas for National Guard members deployed to the southern border in Eagle Pass. The state and federal authorities have been involved in a tense conflict over immigration in that area, according to Gov. Greg Abbott.
During a press briefing, Abbott revealed plans for a new facility that could accommodate up to 2,300 soldiers, referring to it as a “base camp.”
“Instead of being spread out across various locations in this area, they will all be based in one central location. It plans to gather a significant military force in a highly strategic location. “It will enhance the speed and flexibility of the Texas National Guard to respond to crossings,” Abbott stated.
Officials anticipate reaching a 300-bed capacity by mid-April and plan to add another 300 bs each month until the project is finished, according to Texas Maj. Gen. Thomas Suelzer, Abedbott’s top military adviser, who shared the update during the press conference on Friday.
Abbott’s Border Measures Intensify: Tensions Rise Over Military Base Upgrades and Control of Shelby Park
The camp will offer various amenities such as spacious dining halls, private rooms for soldiers, and medical care facilities.
This action could further escalate the conflict between state and federal authorities as Abbott persists in enforcing his own measures to prevent migrants from crossing outside official entry points along the southern border.
In January, Texas took complete control of Shelby Park on the U.S. side of the Rio Grande, manning it with Texas National Guard troops and encircling a 2.5-mile area with obstacles and concertina wire, against the wishes of the city.
This location has become the focal point of a conflict between state and federal authorities, with Abbott imposing restrictions on Border Patrol’s operations in the area, hindering their efforts to detain migrants crossing through a significant hotspot.
The Biden administration has filed a lawsuit against Texas for a law that grants additional powers to local police to address individuals believed to have entered the country unlawfully.
