In a rapidly escalating conflict between Texas and the federal government over border security, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has threatened legal action against the state if it does not end its seizure of a park along the Rio Grande River. The DHS claims that Texas’s actions are unconstitutional and impede Border Patrol operations along the border.
The park in question, Shelby Park in Eagle Pass, had previously served as a staging area for processing during migrant surges in the busy crossing area. Texas took control of the park on Wednesday, citing the need to prepare for future illegal immigrant surges and to stop organizations that facilitate illegal immigrant crossings in the area. However, this move has further strained the already tense relationship between Texas and the federal government.
According to the DHS, Texas is blocking Border Patrol from approximately 2.5 miles of the border, and some of the barriers deployed by Texas are on federal land. The DHS argues that these actions violate a 2012 Supreme Court case, Arizona v U.S., which determined that the federal government has broad power over immigration and border enforcement.
The letter from the DHS to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton also highlights a recent incident in which three migrants, including two children, drowned in the area after Border Patrol was allegedly blocked from accessing it. Texas denies these claims, stating that bodies were already being recovered by Mexican authorities when agents requested access to the area.
In response to the DHS’s letter, Texas has until the end of the day Wednesday to cease its efforts to block access and remove barriers. If Texas fails to comply, the matter will be referred to the Department of Justice for appropriate action.
This conflict between Texas and the federal government comes amidst a larger legal battle over border security. The Biden administration has already complained to the Supreme Court about Texas’s cutting of razor wire and the setting up of buoys in the Rio Grande. Additionally, Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently signed an anti-illegal immigration law that allows state and local law enforcement to arrest illegal immigrants.
While the Biden administration has accused Abbott of trying to “politicize the border,” the governor remains steadfast in his approach, stating that he will continue to use every tool possible to block illegal immigration. The White House, on the other hand, emphasizes the need for adequate resources and policy changes to address the broken immigration system.
As tensions mount and legal battles ensue, the situation at the Texas-Mexico border remains a critical issue for both the state and the federal government. The outcome of this conflict will likely have significant implications for immigration policy moving forward.
Adam Shaw is a politics reporter for Digital, specializing in immigration and border security coverage. He can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter. Stay updated with the latest news from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and more political content by subscribing to our newsletter.
