Eagle Pass, Texas – The state of Texas has taken control of a 50-acre park along the Rio Grande, effectively blocking the city’s desires, according to Mayor Rolando Salinas. In a video posted on Facebook, Mayor Salinas revealed that the Texas Department of Public Safety informed him of the state’s decision to assume “full control” of Shelby Park. This move aims to prevent migrants from unlawfully crossing into Texas from Mexico.
Mayor Salinas emphasized that the city did not agree to this decision and did not seek it. Images captured by the mayor showed the park’s entrance sealed off with fencing and military vehicles. Shelby Park has been a focal point in Governor Greg Abbott’s efforts to deter illegal border crossings and serves as a staging area for the Texas National Guard and Texas DPS under Operation Lone Star.
Mayor Salinas stated that the state is taking indefinite control of the park under the governor’s border disaster declaration, renewed in December. Speaking at a conference, he also expressed concern that U.S. Border Patrol Agents were being kept away from the area. However, these claims have not been confirmed by ABC News.
The response from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, as well as the Texas Military Department, remains unknown as they have not yet responded to inquiries. This development follows a recent visit from Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to Eagle Pass, where he met with CBP agents.
Governor Abbott’s office released a statement attributing blame to President Joe Biden for the situation, accusing his open border policies of inviting record-high levels of illegal immigration. The statement outlined Texas’ measures to counter the crisis, including deploying additional soldiers and implementing physical barriers.
Mayor Salinas conveyed that city officials are exploring legal options to regain control of Shelby Park.
In summary, the state of Texas has taken control of Shelby Park in Eagle Pass, Texas, in an effort to prevent unauthorized border crossings. The city of Eagle Pass opposed this decision, leading to tensions between local and state authorities. This move comes amid ongoing debates surrounding immigration policies and border security in the United States.