The Justice Department has urged the Supreme Court to intervene and compel Texas to cease obstructing Border Patrol agents from accessing a crucial segment of the U.S.-Mexico border, intensifying the ongoing clash between Republican Governor Greg Abbott and the Biden administration over immigration enforcement. This request follows Texas’ installation of fencing to assert control over a nearly 50-acre public park in Eagle Pass, previously a prominent crossing point for thousands of migrants entering from Mexico.
The filing by the Justice Department argued that Texas, by closing off this stretch of the border, has effectively impeded Border Patrol from monitoring and accessing the area. Governor Abbott, however, asserted that Texas has the authority to control access to any geographic location within the state, defending the closure of Shelby Park as part of Operation Lone Star, an escalation of the state’s border enforcement efforts.
This move is the latest in a series of legal disputes between the state and federal government, encompassing actions taken by Texas since 2023, such as the use of buoys in the international river, the installation of razor wire, and an upcoming law permitting police to arrest migrants. Abbott faced criticism from Democrats after stating that Texas has done everything to curb illegal crossings short of resorting to lethal force.
Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign Relations denounced Abbott’s comments, expressing concern that they could incite violence and dehumanize migrants. Abbott later clarified that he was highlighting the distinction between legal and illegal actions on the border.
The closure of Shelby Park has raised concerns as it not only restricts public access but also impedes Border Patrol operations, including launching boats into the river and processing migrants. The National Border Patrol Council applauded Texas’ move, contending that it frees up agents to patrol areas with high numbers of illegal crossings. This development echoes a previous dispute in 2022 involving a Texas pecan farm caught between Abbott and the Biden administration, highlighting the contentious nature of border policies within the state.