Texas has recently taken a bold stride in its ongoing battle against illegal immigration. On Wednesday, state officials seized control of a riverfront public park in Eagle Pass, a location known for being a popular spot for illegal border crossings. This move is part of the state’s Operation Lonestar, an initiative aimed at arresting illegal aliens.
The operation sees Texas sidestepping federal authority, asserting that federal officials actively encourage unlawful immigration by their presence and actions. In a significant escalation of the stand-off between Texas and the Biden administration, Texas law enforcement assets and national guard troops took control of Shelby Park in Eagle Pass on Thursday.
Fox News border correspondent Bill Melugin reported that the Texas Military Department confirmed the Texas National Guard had seized control of the park. The area is known for mass illegal crossings, and the National Guard is now restricting Border Patrol from accessing the area, accusing the federal agents of perpetuating illegal crossings.
This development follows a series of contentious interactions between Texas and the Biden administration. Governor Greg Abbott has been vocal about his commitment to border security, implementing measures such as the construction of barriers and deploying Texas law enforcement personnel to arrest illegal aliens. These actions have resulted in a number of lawsuits, with neither side showing signs of backing down.
The Texas Military Department has asserted that it has maintained a security presence at Shelby Park since 2021. The current posture aims to prepare for future surges of illegal immigrants and restrict access to organizations that enable illegal crossings in the park and greater Eagle Pass area. The department has not disclosed how long the park will remain closed, which could potentially disrupt planned festivals and other activities scheduled for this spring.
Renae Eze, a spokesperson for Texas Governor Greg Abbott, reinforced the state’s stance in a statement to the New York Post. She said, “Texas will continue to deploy Texas National Guard soldiers, DPS troopers, and more barriers, utilizing every tool and strategy to respond to President Biden’s ongoing border crisis.”
This move by Texas reflects the state’s determination to enforce its own immigration laws and policies, in defiance of the Biden administration’s approach. The stand-off between Texas and federal authorities underscores the deep divisions over immigration policies and enforcement in the United States.
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