In a stark escalation of tensions between the Biden administration and the state of Texas, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued an ultimatum, giving Texas until the end of Wednesday to cease blocking the U.S. Border Patrol’s access to a critical 2.5-mile stretch along the U.S.-Mexico border. This area includes the location where a tragic incident occurred last week, resulting in the drowning of a woman and two children after federal agents were barred from the zone by state authorities.
The DHS letter, warns Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton that the state’s actions are unconstitutional and have “impeded operations.” It emphasizes that Texas must confirm it will “cease and desist its efforts to block Border Patrol’s access” and remove all barriers by the Wednesday deadline. Failure to comply will prompt the DHS to refer the matter to the Department of Justice for appropriate action.
The letter accuses Texas of persistently denying access to the border even in emergency situations, pointing to the recent tragic drownings near a city park in Eagle Pass. The state’s National Guard troops control access to Shelby Park, erecting fencing that restricts federal agents’ movement.
In response, Paxton issued a defiant statement, asserting that “Texas will not surrender” and insisting on the state’s constitutional authority to defend its territory. He claims that Border Patrol personnel have access to Shelby Park for responding to medical emergencies.
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This latest clash is part of a broader conflict between state and federal authorities over Texas policies, including a controversial new law making illegal entry into the state a crime. The Biden administration has sought Supreme Court intervention after Texas sued over the removal of razor wire along the border, a move ordered by an appeals court pending legal challenges.
The drownings on Friday have further fueled the dispute, with the Biden administration arguing that Texas’ control of the border impedes law enforcement and emergency response activities. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar highlighted that Border Patrol, if granted access, could have taken steps to fulfill its responsibilities and assist in the rescue mission.
Texas Military Department countered these claims, stating that Border Patrol agents only requested access after the drownings occurred, and Mexican authorities were already recovering the bodies.
Simultaneously, far-right groups are seizing on the situation, calling for supporters to rally in Eagle Pass to protest what they term a “foreign invasion.” Concerns are rising over the potential impact of such gatherings on the safety and security of the region, with local law enforcement closely monitoring developments.
In a related move, Louisiana’s new Republican governor, Jeff Landry, signed an executive order directing state agencies to report any arrests or funds spent on undocumented immigrants. Landry argues that the financial burden of illegal immigration falls on hard-working Louisianans and emphasizes the need to analyze data on the costs incurred.
The order mandates executive branch heads to provide reports detailing the use of public funds for undocumented immigrants, while law enforcement is directed to publish data on arrests and convictions of illegal aliens, including information on nationality and suspected gang affiliations.
As the Wednesday deadline looms and tensions continue to rise, the conflict between Texas and the federal government underscores the complexity and sensitivity of border control issues, prompting concerns about the potential humanitarian and political fallout.