The Biden administration is increasing demands that Texas allow Border Patrol agents access to key parks at the center of border disputes.
Texas took control of the riverside park earlier this month and began denying Border Patrol agents access, escalating a feud between Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and President Joe Biden's administration.
Republican governors have repeatedly accused the Biden administration of not doing enough to stem the wave of illegal border crossings that affected more than 300,000 people nationwide last month.
Razor wire is seen on the banks of the Rio Grande at Shelby Park in Eagle Pass, Texas, on January 12, 2024. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) sent a letter to Attorney General Ken Paxton to the state on Tuesday requesting access to Shelby Park, which borders the Rio Grande.
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“As far as we know, the state of Texas has only allowed access to Shelby Park to allow public access to monuments, media, and the golf course adjacent to Shelby Park; “U.S. Border Patrol access to the park continues to be restricted.” The letter was read.
Texas was given until Friday to respond.
The letter followed a Supreme Court ruling on Monday that effectively sided with the Biden administration, giving the Border Patrol permission to begin removing razor wire installed near Eagle Pass to keep out migrants.
EAGLE PASS, Texas – JANUARY 12: National Guard soldiers stand guard on the banks of the Rio Grande at Shelby Park on January 12, 2024 in Eagle Pass, Texas. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
The state of Texas has installed rows of razor wire in Shelby Park and said more will be added in response to the Supreme Court ruling.
Mr. Abbott did not mention the parks, but struck a defiant note, saying in a lengthy statement that the Biden administration had “broken the U.S.-A. agreement.”
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“The U.S. executive branch has a constitutional obligation to enforce federal laws that protect states, including immigration laws currently in place,” he said. “President Biden has refused to enforce and even violated these laws. As a result, he has shattered illegal immigration records.”
Texas state troopers and National Guard troops have maintained a heavy presence at Shelby Park since last summer, when thousands of immigrants illegally entered the country from Mexico.
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Texas told the Supreme Court that the park had reopened to the public days after it was closed, but the federal government expressed skepticism in a letter. The Biden administration has requested access to parks, areas under ports of entry and boat ramps.
