Texas Authorities Arresting Migrants Crossing the Rio Grande in Eagle Pass
Texas authorities have taken action against migrants who illegally enter the US through the Rio Grande in Eagle Pass, Texas. State law enforcement has occupied Shelby Park and is preventing anyone, including federal border patrol agents, from entering the area, resulting in a growing conflict.
On Wednesday, officers began arresting migrants who entered the park, providing a preview of Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s new state law that allows police to arrest and charge individuals suspected of illegal entry. Lt. Chris Olivarez of the Texas Department of Public Safety announced, “Troopers are arresting illegal immigrants for criminal trespass in Shelby Park in Eagle Pass.” The state aims to curb illegal border crossings between ports of entry.
Specific figures regarding the number of arrests made and whether the arrested migrants have been handed over to federal authorities for processing are not currently available.
Abbott’s bill, which criminalizes illegal immigration at the state level, was passed in December but will not take effect until March. The Biden administration is expected to challenge the law in court.
Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security has been fighting for access to Shelby Park in court, arguing that Abbott’s measures hinder their ability to patrol the area and provide emergency aid to migrants in need. A motion states that Texas has effectively prevented border patrol from monitoring the border and determining whether migrants require emergency aid.
Last week, a tragic incident occurred when a mother and two children drowned while attempting to swim across the Rio Grande. Democratic congressman Henry Cuellar initially blamed the Texas Military Department for the deaths, accusing them of shutting out federal Border Patrol agents.
However, it was later revealed that Mexican authorities found the bodies on their side of the river. Texas troops in Shelby Park had searched the river for distressed migrants and treated two individuals suffering from hypothermia before handing them over to Border Patrol agents.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton responded to federal filings demanding access to the park by asserting the state’s right to cordon off the area. His office argued that keeping the park and its vicinity accessible would endanger migrants making the dangerous journey across the river.
A judge will ultimately decide whether Texas authorities can continue to keep the fencing up in Shelby Park.
The Del Rio sector, which includes Eagle Pass, witnessed over 81,000 immigrants surrendering to border officials in October and November. The following month set a record for migrant encounters at the southern border, with at least 302,000 people attempting to enter the US.
