Texas Governor Greg Abbott has come under fire for taking control of a city park in Eagle Pass without consulting local officials. The state’s action, which was part of the Operation Lone Star border security initiative, has sparked controversy and raised questions about the timing of the emergency declaration.
Eagle Pass Mayor Rolando Salinas expressed his surprise at the state’s decision to take full custody and control of Shelby Park, a public space that had been used to house resources and equipment for Operation Lone Star. The mayor received a call from a Texas Department of Public Safety official informing him of the state’s takeover under an emergency declaration issued by Abbott.
However, Salinas pointed out that the emergency declaration does not align with the current situation at the border, as encounters with immigrants in Eagle Pass have significantly decreased. He emphasized that only 527 migrants were encountered recently, a pattern that has held throughout the week. The mayor also posted a video on Facebook showing a temporary fence at the park’s entrance and expressed his disapproval of the state’s actions.
The Texas Governor’s office defended the park takeover, citing the need to strengthen border security due to the influx of illegal immigration. A spokeswoman for Governor Abbott stated that Texas is deploying additional resources, including razor wire and anti-climb barriers, to address the ongoing border crisis caused by what they described as President Biden’s “reckless open border policies.”
Eagle Pass officials remain skeptical of the state’s actions and are investigating the legality of the park’s takeover. Mayor Salinas expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation, despite assurances from the state that the city would be compensated for the costs associated with the takeover.
The controversial move has prompted criticism and concern among local officials, raising questions about the balance of power between state and local authorities, and the impact of border security measures on public spaces. The situation in Eagle Pass continues to unfold, as the city and state navigate their differing perspectives on addressing the border crisis.