In a bold move that further escalates the ongoing feud between Texas and the Biden administration, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton stated on Thursday that the state has no plans to comply with an order from the Biden administration to grant Border Patrol agents access to a riverfront park at the center of a border dispute. This defiance comes after a recent Supreme Court decision cleared the way for Border Patrol agents to cut or remove razor wire that Texas had installed around Shelby Park, a popular corridor for migrants to illegally enter the U.S.
The conflict between Republican Governor Greg Abbott and the Biden administration has been intensifying, with Abbott accusing the administration of not doing enough to curb illegal crossings. Following the Supreme Court’s decision, Texas announced its intention to install more rows of razor wire, making it one of Abbott’s most visible measures to deter migrants in the border city of Eagle Pass.
On Tuesday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) sent a letter to Texas demanding access to Shelby Park again, next to the Rio Grande, and requested a response by Friday. However, Paxton made it clear earlier on Thursday that Texas had no intention of complying with the deadline. Both Paxton and National Border Patrol Council Vice President Chris Cabrera predicted that the matter would be resolved in the courts rather than through a physical confrontation between state and federal officials.
Border Patrol agents expressed their reluctance to engage in a confrontation with their counterparts, the Texas National Guard, on the ground. Despite the tension, there is a mutual respect between the agencies, and each knows they must respond to direct orders from superiors.
The White House has been reached out to for comment, and a DHS spokesperson emphasized that enforcing immigration law is a federal responsibility. They criticized Texas for making it harder for frontline personnel to do their jobs, stating that the state’s actions have not helped reduce irregular migration.
The ongoing dispute between Texas and the Biden administration highlights the deep divisions and challenges surrounding border enforcement. As the situation plays out in the courts, it remains to be seen how this conflict will impact immigration policies and efforts to address illegal crossings.
