The Texas National Guard has taken control of Shelby Park in Eagle Pass, Texas, blocking Border Patrol from entering the area as part of Governor Greg Abbott’s emergency declaration to address illegal immigration.
The move has intensified the ongoing feud between Texas and the federal government over managing the border crisis.
While the Border Patrol union has praised Abbott’s actions, the Biden administration has criticized them, leading to legal disputes.
BREAKING: Texas National Guard seizes control of a public park on the Rio Grande:
"Now under Gov. Abbott's emergency declaration, the Texas National Guard has seized control of this park and some surrounding land around the river, put up fencing and razor wire, and kicked out… pic.twitter.com/RaXpehXhaq
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) January 12, 2024
Texas Military Department wrote in a statement, “The current posture is to prepare for future illegal immigrant surges and to restrict access to organizations that perpetuate illegal immigrant crossings in the park and greater Eagle Pass area.”
National Border Patrol Council Brandon Judd said, “Governor Abbott is not harming Border Patrol operations, he is enhancing them.”
“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,” he continued.
A senior official said, “It’s of no operational or law enforcement benefit to try to block federal authorities from being able to do their job.”
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, “We believe that Gov. Abbott’s policies and political stunts are not safe, not safe for Texas communities and our CBP, our law enforcement on the ground who are trying to do their work. It puts them in harm’s way, and they dehumanize and demonize immigrants. That’s what his political stunts do.”
Gov. Abbott spokesperson Renae Eze, said, “Texas is holding the line at our southern border with miles of additional razor wire and anti-climb barriers to deter and repel the record-high levels of illegal immigration invited by President Biden’s reckless open border policies. Instead of enforcing federal immigration laws, the Biden Administration allows unfettered access for Mexican cartels to smuggle people into our country.”
She continued, “Texas will continue to deploy Texas National Guard soldiers, DPS troopers, and more barriers, utilizing every tool and strategy to respond to President Biden’s ongoing border crisis.”
The state has been accused of fueling the crisis, while Texas officials argue that they are responding to the border crisis caused by open border policies. Texas says it has been busing migrants to “sanctuary” cities to alleviate pressure on border communities.
