In a bold move, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a stern directive to the state of Texas, demanding access to the land along the U.S.-Mexico border, which Texas had seized in Eagle Pass.
The DHS directive serves as an order to Texas to cease its efforts to obstruct Border Patrol access in and around Shelby Park, with a deadline of January 17 set for the removal of all barriers, as reported by Breitbart.
DHS General Counsel, Jonathan E. Meyer, has characterized Texas’ actions as “clearly unconstitutional” and accused them of “actively disrupting” federal operations. The letter issued by DHS demands Texas’ compliance with the directive.
Meyer argued that Texas’ actions have hindered Border Patrol operations and are in conflict with federal law. He also claimed that Texas’ actions are preempted under the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution. The use of the term “impeded” in the directive raises concerns about potential legal consequences for state officers following Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s directives.
Breitbart Texas sought clarification from DHS, CBP, and Border Patrol regarding the term “impeded” and its legal implications, but no response was received.
Tensions escalated on January 11 when the Texas Military Department seized Shelby Park, forcibly removing Border Patrol agents from the area, as previously reported by Breitbart Texas. Texas National Guard units took control of the area, erecting barriers and instructing Border Patrol agents to leave.
Tragically, the following night, a Mexican migrant woman and two children drowned in the Rio Grande near Shelby Park. Biden administration officials and Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, attributed the drownings to Abbott’s decision to restrict Border Patrol access, an accusation that Abbott vehemently denied.
A timeline provided by the Texas Military Department indicated that Border Patrol’s request to enter the park came after the drownings had occurred. However, the DHS letter continues to assert that the denial of access played a role in the tragic incident.
Meyer’s letter, dated January 12, claimed that Texas had denied Border Patrol access even when informed of migrants attempting to cross the river. Despite subsequent Mexican rescue efforts, three individuals drowned. The letter contends that Texas, even in exigent circumstances, denies Border Patrol access.
In response to the DHS letter, Governor Abbott criticized President Biden’s immigration policies, stating, “Biden is doing everything possible to eliminate strategies that actually prevent illegal immigrants from entering our country. Texas will continue to use every tool possible to block illegal immigration.”
