On Saturday, the U.S. Homeland Security Department revealed that Texas refused federal agents access to a section of the border as they tried to rescue three migrants who ultimately drowned. This disclosure came after U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar stated that the Texas Military Department and Texas National Guard had denied Border Patrol agents access to save the migrants on Friday night.
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Texas
The tragic incident unfolded in the Shelby Park area of Eagle Pass, Texas, where a woman and two children lost their lives, with Mexican authorities recovering their bodies on the other side of the border.
Cuellar, expressing deep concern, held the state accountable, stating, “This is a tragedy, and the State bears responsibility.” Homeland Security concurred with Cuellar’s account, asserting that Border Patrol agents were physically prevented from entering the park by Texas officials in response to a distress call from the Mexican government. The federal agency criticized Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s policies, deeming them cruel, dangerous, and inhumane, with a blatant disregard for federal authority over immigration.
In a filing to the U.S. Supreme Court, Texas acknowledged seizing control of Shelby Park but contested the federal government’s characterization of its actions. The state claimed it was attempting to resolve any disputes over access. The Justice Department also informed the Supreme Court that Texas had taken control of the park and was preventing Border Patrol agents from entering.
Shelby Park, a crucial corridor for migrants entering illegally from Mexico, is at the center of Texas Governor Abbott’s Operation Lone Star, aimed at curbing illegal crossings. Cuellar reported that Mexican authorities alerted the Border Patrol to distressed migrants in the river on Friday night. Attempts to convey the information to Texas National Guard members at Shelby Park were unsuccessful, and Border Patrol agents were turned away when they sought access to the park entrance.
The park, owned by the city, is utilized by the state Department of Public Safety and the Texas Military Department for border patrol activities. Recent efforts by state authorities to restrict access with fences and military vehicles have sparked legal challenges. Texas contends that Border Patrol agents were not denied access and that the reduced presence of agents is due to the state reallocating resources.
The tragic incident has raised concerns about the safety of migrants in the region, with no immediate information available about the victims’ nationalities, relationships, and ages. A public ceremony was held at the park on Saturday to commemorate the lives lost, shedding light on the complex issues surrounding border control and humanitarian considerations.
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