The Texas National Guard has recently taken control of Shelby Park, a key area near the U.S.-Mexico border in Eagle Pass, Texas, as part of efforts to curb illegal immigration. This move, directed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, is expected to heighten tensions between the state and the federal government.
Eagle Pass Mayor Rolando Salinas confirmed that the decision was aligned with Gov. Abbott’s emergency declaration but noted that it was not something requested by the city. The Texas Military Department explained that the presence in the park, which started in 2021, aims to prepare for future illegal immigrant surges and restrict access to organizations facilitating illegal crossings.
This action has led to the Border Patrol being blocked from entering the park by Texas soldiers. The Border Patrol union, however, praised Abbott for enhancing their operations, with National Border Patrol Council Brandon Judd calling it a force multiplier that allows agents to deploy to areas experiencing high numbers of illegal entries.
Senior Customs and Border Protection (CBP) sources stated that Border Patrol agents were being blocked at two areas in Eagle Pass and have pulled resources to avoid confrontation. A senior official commented that blocking federal authorities doesn’t benefit law enforcement operations and adds extra steps to the migrant processing.
This dramatic measure is the latest in a series of escalations in the ongoing dispute over immigration policy between Texas and the federal government. Gov. Abbott has been actively involved in addressing the border crisis through Operation Lone Star, launched in 2021, which included setting up a buoy barrier in the Rio Grande River. This action sparked a lawsuit from the federal government.
The Biden administration has sued Texas over a new anti-illegal immigration law, and Texas has countersued the administration for interfering with state efforts to control illegal crossings, particularly concerning the razor wire set up near Shelby Park.
In response to these actions, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre criticized Gov. Abbott’s policies as unsafe and harmful to law enforcement efforts. Conversely, Abbott’s office accused the federal government of exacerbating the crisis with open border policies.
Texas continues to deploy National Guard soldiers and state troopers, along with additional barriers, to respond to the ongoing border crisis. This approach has also included busing migrants to sanctuary cities across the country to alleviate pressure on border communities. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) has voiced strong support for Gov. Abbott’s actions, endorsing legal measures necessary to secure Texas’ border.