In a move that is likely to escalate tensions between Texas Governor Greg Abbott and the federal government, the Texas National Guard has taken control of a park at the U.S. southern border, effectively barring Border Patrol from accessing the area.
This action is part of a broader effort to curb the influx of illegal immigrants into Texas.
The state government has assumed control of Shelby Park, located in Eagle Pass, Texas. This city has been a focal point of the ongoing migrant crisis that has overwhelmed the U.S. border. In an attempt to secure the area, authorities have erected razor wire and fences.
Eagle Pass Mayor Rolando Salinas revealed that he was informed of this decision, which was made under Gov. Greg Abbott's emergency declaration. Salinas clarified to the press that the city had not requested this intervention, and as a result of this action, Border Patrol is currently absent from the area.
The Texas Military Department issued a statement explaining that it has had a presence in the park since 2021, including security checkpoints and temporary barriers. "The current posture is to prepare for future illegal immigrant surges and to restrict access to organizations that perpetuate illegal immigrant crossings in the park and greater Eagle Pass area," the statement read.
The Border Patrol union confirmed to Fox News that Texas soldiers are preventing agents from entering the park. However, the union praised Abbott for his proactive approach. "Governor Abbott is not harming Border Patrol operations, he is enhancing them," said National Border Patrol Council Brandon Judd. "His seizing control of Shelby Park allows our agents to deploy to troubled spots that experience high numbers of gotaways. Governor Abbotts actions should be seen as a force multiplier."
This bold move signifies the latest development in the ongoing dispute between Texas and the federal government over the handling of the unprecedented crisis. The situation has left both Texas and cities across the nation grappling with the influx of migrants.
In 2021, Abbott initiated Operation Lone Star, a strategy to mobilize resources and law enforcement to the border. As part of this operation, he established a buoy border barrier in the Rio Grande River, which led to a lawsuit from the federal government that may soon reach the Supreme Court.
In a separate case, the Biden administration has sued Texas over a recently enacted anti-illegal immigration law that empowers state and local law enforcement to arrest illegal immigrants. The administration argues that this law interferes with federal authority, disrupts U.S. immigration operations and proceedings, and damages relations with foreign governments.
In response, Texas has sued the administration for dismantling razor wire installed by the state to prevent illegal crossings. This wire is located in areas close to Shelby Park. The lawsuit is ongoing, and the administration is currently prohibited from removing the wire.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre criticized Abbott's policies last month, stating, "We believe that Gov. Abbott's policies and political stunts are not safe, not safe for Texas communities and our CBP, our law enforcement on the ground who are trying to do their work. It puts them in harm's way, and they dehumanize and demonize immigrants. That's what his political stunts do."
Abbott's office has dismissed the federal government's criticism and instead blamed the administration for exacerbating the crisis with its "open border policies." Abbott spokesperson Renae Eze said on Thursday, "Texas is holding the line at our southern border with miles of additional razor wire and anti-climb barriers to deter and repel the record-high levels of illegal immigration invited by President Biden's reckless open border policies. Instead of enforcing federal immigration laws, the Biden Administration allows unfettered access for Mexican cartels to smuggle people into our country."
"Texas will continue to deploy Texas National Guard soldiers, DPS troopers, and more barriers, utilizing every tool and strategy to respond to President Biden's ongoing border crisis."
Texas has also provoked "sanctuary" cities across the country by transporting migrants to these cities in an attempt to alleviate the pressure on border communities. This week, Abbott announced that he has now relocated over 100,000 migrants to these cities.
Abbotts recent action in Shelby Park has garnered immediate support from some Texas conservatives. "The Governor has my full support to go as far as is necessary (from a legal perspective) to secure Texas border," said Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, on X, formerly known as Twitter.
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