EAGLE PASS, Texas — Texas state officials have blocked federal U.S. Border Patrol agents from accessing a public area in the border town of Eagle Pass, where migrants who cross the Rio Grande illegally are typically encountered, according to two U.S. officials. Texas National Guard units, deployed by Republican Governor Greg Abbott, have taken control of Shelby Park and prevented Border Patrol agents from entering the area. In recent weeks, the park has been used by Border Patrol to hold migrants in an outdoor staging area before they are transported for further processing. Texas state officials also prevented Border Patrol boats from patrolling the area.
The move by Texas state officials to deny entry to Border Patrol agents has raised questions about their authority over the federal government. Under federal law, Border Patrol has a legal responsibility to process migrants on U.S. soil and determine their fate. The international boundary between the U.S. and Mexico is located in the middle of the Rio Grande in Texas.
Eagle Pass Mayor Rolando Salinas expressed his disapproval of the state officials’ actions, stating that the city did not give permission for Texas to take over the area. The Texas National Guard has defended its actions by claiming that they aim to prevent illegal crossings by migrants. Michael Perry, a spokesperson for the Texas Military Department, stated that the current posture is to prepare for future surges of illegal immigration and restrict access to organizations that facilitate such crossings in Shelby Park and the wider Eagle Pass area.
The seizure of Shelby Park represents the latest attempt by Texas state officials to challenge the federal government’s authority on immigration. Governor Abbott has taken several measures to address the situation, including transporting migrants to Democratic-led cities, arresting migrant adults for trespassing, and fortifying the banks of the Rio Grande with razor wire and floating barriers.
Last month, Abbott signed a law known as SB4 that permits Texas law enforcement officials to arrest and prosecute migrants on state criminal charges of entering the country illegally. This law, which duplicates an existing federal offense, is currently facing legal challenges from the Justice Department and civil rights groups. It is scheduled to take effect in March.
In summary, Texas state officials have prevented federal Border Patrol agents from accessing Shelby Park in Eagle Pass, Texas, effectively impeding the processing of migrants who illegally cross the Rio Grande. The actions by Texas officials have raised concerns over their authority and the potential impact on federal immigration procedures. Governor Abbott has taken various measures to address the situation, including challenging federal immigration authority and signing a controversial law.