Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s plan to build a military base for housing National Guard troops along the border has been met with criticism from Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. During his morning press conference, López Obrador mocked Abbott’s efforts, calling it “pure politicking” and dismissing it as ineffective. However, retired CBP officer Rosa Arellano disagrees and believes the base is “absolutely necessary” to address the ongoing border crisis.
Abbott’s announcement last week stated that Texas will construct an operations base for up to 1,800 National Guard members in Eagle Pass, expanding the presence of soldiers in the border city. The 80-acre property along the Rio Grande will be located near Shelby Park, where Texas National Guard members have already installed miles of razor wire and denied access to U.S. Border Patrol agents.
Abbott emphasized that the base will enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of Texas military department personnel in Eagle Pass. It aims to improve living conditions for deployed soldiers, which have been a concern during the early months of Operation Lone Star. The construction of the camp will occur in phases, with the first phase expected to be completed by April. The complex will include command posts, weapons storage rooms, and a helicopter pad.
While Abbott’s decision to seize control of Shelby Park has raised questions from local officials, who argue that crossings have decreased in recent weeks, the Texas governor remains committed to his border mission. Over 40 lawmakers have signed a brief in support of Texas in its immigration fight with the Biden administration.
The conflict over border control between Texas and the federal government continues, with the U.S. Justice Department recently requesting the Supreme Court to order Texas to allow Border Patrol agents back into the park. The Biden administration argues that Border Patrol agents use the park to monitor the river and launch boats into the Rio Grande.
As the situation at the border remains a contentious issue, opinions vary on the effectiveness of different approaches. While López Obrador dismisses Abbott’s military base as mere political posturing, Arellano, a retired CBP officer, believes that it is a necessary measure to address the border crisis. The debate continues as both sides grapple with finding a solution to the ongoing challenges at the U.S.-Mexico border.
