Texas Refuses to Comply with Biden Administration’s Demand to Allow Federal Border Authorities into Shelby Park
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has taken control of Shelby Park in Eagle Pass, Texas, erecting fences to combat the migrant crisis and prevent illegal border crossings. In response, the Biden administration sent a cease-and-desist notice on January 14, demanding that Texas stop impeding US Border Patrol agents from accessing the US-Mexico border along Shelby Park. However, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton fired back, stating that Texas will continue defending its territory and utilizing its constitutional authority. Paxton criticized the Biden administration for not enforcing existing immigration laws and wasting resources by suing Texas.
The dispute between Texas and the Biden administration escalated after the White House and DHS accused Texas officials of blocking Border Patrol agents from providing emergency assistance to three migrants who drowned near Shelby Park. However, it was later revealed that the migrants had died at least an hour before Border Patrol sought access to the park. Mexican officials had notified Border Patrol about the drowning at 9 p.m., an hour after it occurred. The DOJ argued that if federal agents had access to the park, they may have been able to spot the drowning migrants.
Paxton called it “vile” and “completely inaccurate” to blame Texas for the tragic deaths. He clarified that Texas Military Department did not prevent US Border Patrol from attempting a water rescue, as the federal agents did not request entry based on any medical exigency. Paxton emphasized that Texas’s Guardsmen made a diligent search and confirmed that Mexican officials had already recovered the migrants’ bodies on their side of the river.
Governor Abbott also weighed in on the issue, stating that Biden was wrong to blame Texas for the deaths in the Rio Grande. He cited a federal judge’s ruling that Biden and DHS create a perverse incentive for migrants to make dangerous illegal crossings, holding them responsible for the drownings.
In conclusion, Texas remains firm in its decision not to comply with the Biden administration’s demand to allow federal border authorities into Shelby Park. The state will continue defending its territory and utilizing its constitutional authority to combat the migrant crisis.
