Texas has bolstered its response to illegal immigration concerns. The Texas National Guard has seized control of Shelby Park in Eagle Pass, Texas at the U.S. southern border, blocking Border Patrol agents from entering the area.
The move will likely increase tension between Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) and the Biden Administration, who’s been heavily critical of the efforts from both Governor Abbott and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) of bussing illegal immigrants to other “blue” states like New York.
Shelby Park in Eagle Pass, Texas was seized. In recent weeks, it has been used to hold illegal immigrants in an outdoor staging area before they are transported for processing.
This week, Texas state officials prevented Border Patrol boats from being able to patrol the area, and according to CBS News, a Texas state official requested anonymity when discussing the issue.
“They are denying entry to Border Patrol agents to conduct our duties,” the agent said, adding that they are not sure “what authority (Texas officials) have over the federal government.”
Eagle Pass Mayor Rolando Salinas, Jr., who most recently discussed the growing concern of illegal immigration, announced that he was informed that the decision was part of Governor Abbott’s emergency declaration.
Eagle Pass, TX – Our Mayor Rolando Salinas, Jr. was notified by the Texas Department of Public Safety that the State of Texas was taking control of Shelby Park. pic.twitter.com/p3GJ6IJ1De
— OfficialCityEaglePassTexas (@CityEaglePassTx) January 11, 2024
A statement from the City of Eagle Pass that was shared on X informs that "the City of Eagle Pass played no role in the decision of the takeover," and the "City Attorney is looking further into this matter."
In speaking to Fox News, the Border Patrol Union informed that agents were not being allowed to enter by Texas soldiers, and they also extended praise to the Texas governor for seizing the park.
National Border Patrol Council Brandon Judd commented that "Governor Abbott is not harming Border Patrol operations, he is enhancing them." Moreover, "his seizing control of Shelby Park allows our agents to deploy to troubled spots that experience high numbers of gotaways. Governor Abbott’s actions should be seen as a force multiplier."
