Randy Clark, a veteran Border Patrol agent, exposes the political spin and misinformation surrounding the Texas border showdown at Shelby Park, highlighting the discrepancies in public narratives and the reality on the ground.
By yourNEWS Media
In an incisive piece by Randy Clark, a former United States Border Patrol veteran with 32 years of experience, published on Breitbart, he critically examines the ongoing conflict at the Texas border, focusing on the Shelby Park area. Clark’s deep knowledge and experience bring to light the discrepancies between public statements by Texas officials and the actual events on the ground.Randy Clark debunks the narrative presented by Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, who claimed that Texas’s actions in fencing off Shelby Park and expelling Border Patrol agents were responsible for a significant drop in migrant crossings. Clark clarifies that the reduction in migrant presence at Shelby Park occurred before Texas’s intervention, mainly due to Mexican authorities’ actions in apprehending and deporting migrants.
Eagle Pass, Texas, is currently the focal point of a heated dispute between the Department of Homeland Security and the State of Texas over Shelby Park, with truth becoming the first casualty in this conflict. The narrative promoted by Texas, suggesting that the state’s seizure of the park was a response to massive migrant crossings, is being scrutinized for its accuracy.
Despite Texas’ narrative of bold action leading to a reduction in migrant crossings, the reality was different. By the time Texas acted to fence off Shelby Park and expel Border Patrol agents, the area had already been cleared of migrants. This was due in part to Mexican officials taking action to apprehend migrants at the border and transport them further into Mexico.
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick of Texas has been vocal in pushing this narrative, even in the face of contradictory evidence. Speaking to reporters outside Shelby Park, Patrick claimed, “A few weeks ago, months ago, there were thousands crossing, no one’s crossing. We have secured this part of the border; we have secured it!” His statement came as he gestured towards the now gated-off park, which lies along the Rio Grande and includes various recreational facilities.
Over the weekend, Patrick appeared on Fox News, repeating his assertions to Trace Gallagher and emphasizing the success of Texas’ measures in reducing migrant numbers to zero. However, this portrayal starkly contrasts with the situation as recently as December, where nearly 5,000 migrants were crossing daily into the Shelby Park area. The area’s wire barriers, spanning more than 20 miles, were inadequate in stopping this surge, as migrants used debris to safely cross them.
I joined @tracegallagher on @foxnewsnight. ICYMI: pic.twitter.com/WHLCNrWBYR
— Dan Patrick (@DanPatrick) January 29, 2024
The narrative presented by Patrick also conflicts with the observations of Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson. Johnson documented an empty park just ten days before Texas’ seizure, challenging the portrayal of a struggle to control the area. Fox News, despite extensive coverage of the migrant crisis, did not counter Patrick’s claims during his appearance.
In a visit on January 3, documented by Breitbart Texas, Speaker Johnson and a contingent of 65 Republican legislators discovered Shelby Park void of migrants, contradicting earlier scenes of large migrant groups. Johnson suggested the Biden Administration had diverted migrants to avoid media exposure during the Congressional visit.
Additionally, a Breitbart Texas report revealed allegations of reduced migrant detention levels at an Eagle Pass Border Patrol facility in anticipation of the January congressional visit. This involved accelerating migrant releases to a shelter and onto the streets of Eagle Pass.
Texas’ razor wire is an effective deterrent against the illegal border crossings encouraged by Biden’s open border policies.
We continue to deploy this razor wire to repel illegal immigration. pic.twitter.com/PE8wiMYaYI
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) January 24, 2024
A letter from Speaker Johnson to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, co-signed by Jim Jordan and Mark E. Green, and dated January 11, 2024, cited this reporter’s article. The letter requested details on the reduction of migrant detention levels and efforts to divert or delay the entry of foreign nationals through Eagle Pass.
The meeting between Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador occurred just before the Congressional delegation’s visit to Eagle Pass. This meeting, where AMLO requested significant U.S. funding and the lifting of sanctions on Venezuela and Cuba, coincided with a marked decrease in migrant traffic at Shelby Park.
Here is Eagle Pass just weeks ago vs. yesterday.
The Biden Administration decided to divert the flood of illegal immigrants to another location in order to keep them out of the camera shots during @HouseGOP’s visit to Eagle Pass. Don’t be fooled, they are still being released… pic.twitter.com/XzjPVq5xxB
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) January 2, 2024
Border Hawk News reported increased Mexican enforcement actions following this meeting, including patrols and removal of migrants by air. These actions, not observed before the Blinken-Mayorkas visit, suggest a shift in Mexico’s approach to handling migrant crossings.
In summary, the Texas border showdown at Shelby Park is a complex blend of political narratives, contrasting reports, and ongoing debates about border security and immigration policy.
🚨🚨BORDER HAWK EXCLUSIVE🚨🚨
Illegal Crossings Plummet In Eagle Pass as Mexico Cracks Down on Migrants In Surrounding Area
Illegal crossings into Eagle Pass, Texas, have substantially declined amid a crackdown by Mexican authorities in the state of Coahuila.
Border Hawk… pic.twitter.com/HjwoidttAN
— Border Hawk (@BorderHawkNews) January 26, 2024
Nothing new or revolutionary was ever on the table in the battle for Shelby Park. When Mexico’s increased law enforcement efforts to slow migrant traffic ceases or fails, Texas is in for another mad rush of migrants somewhere, this political stunt will have done nothing to prevent or cope with it, said Clark.
Read more from Randy Clark, a 32-year Border Patrol veteran, on Twitter @RandyClarkBBTX.