The Texas Military Department (TMD) refuted Rep. Henry Cuellar’s claims that it refused to assist in rescuing migrants drowning in the Rio Grande River.
Cuellar alleged that the department denied access to migrants and forced Border Patrol personnel out of Shelby Park.
However, the Texas Military Department stated that it actively searched the river and observed no distressed migrants, reporting their observations to Border Patrol. (Trending: Trump Responds To Biden’s Bombing In Yemen)
Cuellar claimed, “Border Patrol attempted to contact the Texas Military Department, the Texas National Guard, and DPS Command Post by telephone to relay the information, but were unsuccessful.”
“Border Patrol agents then made physical contact with the Texas Military Department and the Texas National Guard at the Shelby Park Entrance Gate and verbally relayed the information,” he continued.
“However, Texas Military Department soldiers stated they would not grant access to the migrants – even in the event of an emergency – and that they would send a soldier to investigate the situation,” explained the lawmaker.
“Earlier today, Saturday, January 13, 2024, the three migrant bodies were recovered by Mexican authorities. Border Patrol personnel were forced out of Shelby Park earlier this week by the Texas National Guard under order of Governor Abbott,” claimed Cuellar.
They emphasized that at no time did they observe any distressed migrants or turn back any illegal immigrants.
The Texas Military Department wrote in a statement, “TMD had a unit in the vicinity of the boat ramp and actively searched the river with lights and night vision goggles. No migrants were observed.”
“At approximately 9:45pm TMD observed a group of Mexican authorities responding to an incident on the Mexico-side of the river bank. TMD reported their observations back to Border Patrol and they confirmed that the Mexican authorities required no additional assistance,” their statement continued.
“At no time did TMD security personnel along the river observe any distressed migrants, nor did TMD turn back any illegal immigrants from the US during this period,” wrote the TMD.
“Also, at no point was TMD made aware of any bodies in the area of Shelby Park nor was TMD made aware of any bodies being discovered on the U.S. side of the border regarding this situation,” they concluded.
The department ceased rescue operations after confirming that Mexican authorities required no additional assistance.
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