This week, officials from the state of Texas unexpectedly barred federal US Border Patrol agents from accessing and conducting patrols in a public area situated in the border town of Eagle Pass.
This location, traditionally utilized by Border Patrol for initial encounters with migrants crossing the Rio Grande unlawfully, has been taken over by Texas National Guard units deployed by Governor Greg Abbott.
As a result, Border Patrol agents are now restricted from entering this area, particularly Shelby Park in Eagle Pass.
The park has been crucial for Border Patrol in recent weeks as they utilize it as an outdoor staging area to hold migrants before transporting them for further processing.
Notably, last month witnessed a surge in illegal crossings, reaching record levels.
Furthermore, Texas state officials, earlier on Thursday, prevented Border Patrol boats from patrolling the designated area, as disclosed by one of the federal officials, who spoke anonymously due to a lack of authorization to speak to the press.
Texas Government Takes Charge at Border Park Amid Crisis
Control over Shelby Park in Eagle Pass, Texas, which is central to the ongoing migrant crisis at the US border, has been turned over to the state government.
In response, the government has put in place barriers and razor wire to secure the area and limit access.
According to information that Eagle Pass Mayor Rolando Salinas received, this move was made in support of Governor Greg Abbott’s emergency proclamation.
Reporters were informed by Mayor Salinas that the city did not request this decision, and that as a result of these developments, Border Patrol is not currently stationed in the area.
This significant action represents the most recent intensification in an ongoing dispute between the state of Texas and the federal government regarding the management of the unprecedented crisis, causing strain on both Texas and municipalities across the nation.
Biden vs. Texas Immigration Law
A lawsuit against Texas over a recently passed anti-illegal immigration law has been filed by the Biden administration.
This law gives local and state law enforcement the authority to detain undocumented immigrants.
According to the administration, this law interferes with federal authority, obstructs immigration-related activities and procedures in the United States, and harms diplomatic ties with other countries.
On the other hand, Texas has filed a lawsuit against the federal government for its actions in cutting and removing state-installed razor wire meant to prevent unauthorized border crossings. This wire has been placed in close proximity to Shelby Park on purpose.
As of right now, the administration is barred from taking down the wire because of the pending lawsuit.