According to the mayor of a border town, Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has seized control over a public park as a component of his effort towards state-led immigration regulation.
Shelby Park in Eagle Pass was taken under state control on Wednesday night. The park rests along the U.S. side of Rio Grande – separating Mexico and United States- with jurisdiction now assumed by state forces.
On Facebook, Mayor Rolando Salinas of Eagle Pass posted a video presenting military vehicles positioned beside a just-constructed chain-link fence at an entrance to the park.
In the video, Salinas conveyed his dissatisfaction and emphasized that as a city they did not desire or ask for it. He clarified that an official from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) informed him about their takeover on Wednesday morning, stating to assume “full control” of the park without any specific period duration mentioned.
Renae Eze, the spokesperson for Abbott, made a statement regarding the matter. They stated that Texas is reinforcing its position along the southern border. This will be done by erecting more razor wire and anti-climb barriers to counteract President Biden’s lenient migration policies. Texas will continue to deploy troopers from both the National Guard and DPS, as well as implement extra barricades to utilize all possible tactics available in tackling this ongoing crisis initiated by President Biden.
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Ever since July, the park has been a source of disagreement. Mayor Salinas declared it as private territory which meant that any migrants who crossed there would be arrested. Nevertheless, due to resistance from citizens in the area this classification was ultimately revoked.
