Texas Governor Greg Abbott has taken control of Shelby Park, a public park located in the border community of Eagle Pass. The move is part of the governor’s homegrown immigration enforcement operation, which aims to address the surge in illegal immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border. This controversial decision has sparked a heated debate between state and federal officials, with Texas accused of stymying help for bused migrants.
Shelby Park, situated along the U.S. side of the Rio Grande, has become a focal point in the ongoing immigration crisis. Governor Abbott’s forces, including the Texas National Guard, moved in on Wednesday night to assume control of the park indefinitely. The takeover was met with surprise and resistance from local officials, including Eagle Pass Mayor Rolando Salinas, who disapproved of the state’s actions.
Mayor Salinas expressed his discontent in a video posted on Facebook, emphasizing that the city did not request or desire the park’s takeover. The mayor’s concerns were echoed by residents who were alarmed by the sudden militarization of the park. The controversy surrounding Shelby Park began in July, when the city initially declared it private to enable the arrest of trespassing migrants by state DPS troopers. However, the declaration was later rescinded due to public backlash.
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In a further escalation of tensions, Texas state officials have now blocked federal U.S. Border Patrol agents from entering and patrolling the area around Shelby Park. Previously, Border Patrol had been using the park as an outdoor staging area to process migrants before their transportation for further procedures. Last month, illegal crossings reached record levels, and the park played a crucial role in managing the influx.
The actions taken by the Texas National Guard have hindered Border Patrol’s ability to carry out their duties effectively. Border Patrol boats were also prevented from patrolling the area, raising questions about the extent of Texas officials’ authority over federal operations. The extraordinary standoff between Texas and the federal government has prompted the Justice Department to file a complaint with the Supreme Court, highlighting the escalating measures taken by Texas to impede Border Patrol’s activities.
According to Texas officials, the actions taken in Shelby Park are part of a broader strategy to prevent illegal crossings by migrants. The Texas National Guard has maintained a presence in the park since 2021, implementing security points and temporary barriers. Their current posture aims to prepare for future surges in illegal immigration and restrict access for organizations facilitating illegal crossings.
Governor Abbott’s spokesperson, Renae Eze, stated that Texas is committed to securing the southern border and deterring illegal immigration. The state has deployed additional razor wire and anti-climb barriers, reinforcing miles of the border in response to President Biden’s perceived open border policies. Texas will continue to utilize every tool and strategy available to combat what they perceive as an ongoing border crisis.
The seizure of Shelby Park and Texas’ overall approach to immigration enforcement have drawn significant criticism from various quarters. Eagle Pass Mayor, Rolando Salinas, reiterated that the city did not consent to the state’s actions and expressed concern about the politicization of the border. Critics argue that Governor Abbott’s measures not only demonize migrants but also impede the ability of Border Patrol agents to carry out their duties effectively.
The White House spokesperson, Angelo Fernández Hernández, accused Governor Abbott of engaging in extreme political stunts that make it harder and more dangerous for Border Patrol to operate. The seizure of Shelby Park represents the latest in a series of bold moves by Texas to challenge the federal government’s authority on immigration. These actions include busing migrants to Democratic-led cities, arresting migrant adults on state trespassing charges, and fortifying the Rio Grande with razor wire and floating barriers.
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Governor Abbott’s signing of SB4, a law allowing Texas law enforcement officials to arrest, jail, and prosecute migrants on state criminal charges for entering the country illegally, has further intensified the legal battle. The Justice Department and civil rights groups have challenged the law in federal court, arguing that it duplicates existing federal legislation. The law is set to take effect in March, pending the outcome of the legal proceedings.
The seizure of Shelby Park and the resulting restrictions on Border Patrol’s activities have raised concerns about safety and humanitarian implications. Robert Danley, a top Customs and Border Protection official in Eagle Pass, stated that Texas’ actions prevent agents from patrolling the Rio Grande, processing migrants, and providing assistance to those in distress. The park’s takeover has significantly reduced Border Patrol’s surveillance capability, posing risks to both migrants and agents.
