Eagle Pass, Texas – A tragic incident at the southern border claimed the lives of a woman and two children who drowned in the Rio Grande while attempting to enter the United States. The Texas National Guard soldiers, deployed by Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott, denied access to federal Border Patrol agents attempting to rescue the migrants. The soldiers’ actions occurred in a section of the border where processing and rescuing of migrants had already been blocked.
The escalating political and legal feud between Governor Abbott and President Biden over U.S. border policy reached a new level when Texas National Guard soldiers took control of Shelby Park, a public park in Eagle Pass that Border Patrol had been using to hold migrants. This move prompted concerns from local officials and the federal government, eventually leading to the Supreme Court being alerted to the situation.
Democratic Congressman Henry Cuellar reported that six distressed migrants were identified in the Rio Grande near Shelby Park. Border Patrol agents unsuccessfully attempted to contact Texas state officials for assistance. When agents arrived at the park and requested entry to provide aid to the migrants, they were denied access.
Mexican officials recovered three bodies in the aftermath of the drowning incident. Congressman Cuellar criticized the Texas Military Department soldiers, stating that they refused access to the migrants, even in emergency situations, and only sent a soldier to investigate. Cuellar blamed the state for the tragedy, asserting that they bear responsibility for the incident.
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed Texas officials obstructed Border Patrol’s rescue efforts, reiterating that Texas soldiers physically prevented agents from entering the area. The White House spokesperson condemned Governor Abbott’s actions, accusing him of blocking emergency assistance and labeling his actions as “cruel, inhumane, and dangerous.”
The Texas National Guard’s takeover of Shelby Park concerned federal officials due to the potential interference with Border Patrol’s ability to help migrants in distress. The Supreme Court was alerted to Texas’ actions as part of an ongoing disagreement over immigration policy between the state and the federal government.
The Department of Homeland Security called on Texas officials to halt their interference and respect federal authority over immigration. The state’s obstruction was deemed a threat to border enforcement efforts and the well-being of migrants. Texas was urged to stop interfering with the enforcement of U.S. law by Border Patrol.
This tragic incident highlights the challenges and complexities surrounding immigration policy at the southern border. It also underscores the escalating tensions between state and federal authorities in determining the appropriate approach to border security and the treatment of migrants.
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