Texas firmly opposes the Biden administration’s directive to grant Border Patrol unrestricted access to a city-owned park along the Rio Grande in Eagle Pass, escalating tensions over border control.
By yourNEWS Media Staff
In Eagle Pass, Texas, a standoff continues as state officials, led by Governor Greg Abbott, maintain control over a city-owned park along the Rio Grande. Despite the Biden administration’s deadline for Texas to allow Border Patrol agents unimpeded access, Texas stands its ground. The dispute began when the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) sent a letter to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, citing statutory authority for Border Patrol agents to patrol private lands near the border without warrants. The letter, outlined in a Breitbart Texas report, also referred to the drowning of three migrants, insinuating that Texas’ actions hindered rescue efforts.
The park, Shelby Park, was initially seized by Abbott for law enforcement purposes in response to the ongoing border crisis. DHS’s letter to Paxton also mentioned a legal battle between the City of Eagle Pass and the federal government over the right to construct a border fence under the Secure Fence Act of 2006. In response, Paxton, in his letter, refuted DHS’s arguments and highlighted Texas’ commitment to allowing prompt entry for medical emergencies. Paxton also criticized President Biden for neglecting federal immigration laws, accusing him of breaching constitutional duties.
OAG Response to DHS Demand … by yourNEWS Media
The City of Eagle Pass, which previously opposed the federal government’s fencing under the 2006 Secure Fence Act, now finds itself aligned with the federal stance against the state’s control of the park. The construction of the border fence, initially resisted by the city, eventually led to the park being enclosed within the border fence, separating it from the rest of the city.
As the dispute over the park’s control escalates, its daily operations continue with reduced visibility of migrant crossings. According to a source within CBP, migrant apprehensions in Eagle Pass have significantly dropped, indicating a decrease in border activities compared to the previous month. The source from CBP highlighted the challenging position of law enforcement agents caught between conflicting directives from Austin and Washington, D.C.