The Department of Homeland Security and Texas lawmakers announced Saturday that an adult migrant and two children drowned in an area on the southern border that Texas had blocked Border Patrol from entering, but Texas authorities are thoroughly investigating the incident. The company investigated the situation, but was unable to confirm the situation. Immigrants suffering.
“Tragically, a woman and two children drowned last night in the Shelby Park area of Eagle Pass, which was seized by the state of Texas earlier this week,” a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said in a statement.
Texas took control of Shelby Park on the Rio Grande earlier this week. The area previously served as a processing stop during a surge of migrants in the busy border area. DHS said the state of Texas had blocked them from entering the area.The Texas Department of Military Affairs said the move was to prepare for the future. Rapid increase in illegal immigration and to prevent organizations from continuing to cross.
White House accuses Abbott of trying to ‘politicize the border’ after Texas seizes park along Rio Grande
National Guard soldiers stand guard on the banks of the Rio Grande River at Shelby Park in Eagle Pass, Texas, on January 12, 2024. ((Photo credit: Brandon Bell/Getty Images))
“In response to a distress call from the Mexican government, Border Patrol agents were physically barred from entering the area by Texas authorities,” DHS said in a statement.
“The Texas governor’s policies are cruel, dangerous, and inhumane, and Texas’ blatant disregard for federal authority over immigrants poses grave risks,” the statement said. “We need to stop interfering with this,” he said.
Separately, a CBP spokesperson said CBP was saddened by the death toll and “fulfilled the U.S. Border Patrol’s critical mission of apprehending individuals who have entered the United States illegally and providing humanitarian response to individuals in need.” We are gravely concerned about any acts that impede this.”
The White House also linked the drowning to what it called a “political stunt” by Texas Governor Abbott.
“A woman and two children drowned near Eagle Pass on Friday night, and Texas authorities blocked U.S. Border Patrol from providing emergency assistance. “As we continue to gather facts, one thing is clear: political stunts are cruel, inhumane and dangerous,” the spokesperson said. “U.S. Border Patrol needs access to our borders to enforce our laws.”
Earlier, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) issued a statement announcing the death. After Border Patrol learned of the six migrants in distress, they tried to contact Texas authorities by phone but were unsuccessful, and when they relayed the information directly to a Texas National Guard soldier, Border Patrol He said he said he would not be allowed to enter. emergency event.
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“By order of Governor Abbott, Border Patrol agents were forcibly removed from Shelby Park by the Texas National Guard earlier this week. As a result, the Border Patrol was unable to render assistance to the migrants and attempt to save them.” he said.
In its own statement, the Texas Department of Military Affairs said it was contacted by the Border Patrol about a “migrant distress situation” and searched the river using lights and night vision goggles, but no migrants were observed.
“At approximately 9:45 p.m., TMD observed a group of Mexican authorities responding to an incident on the Mexican side of the river,” the statement said. “TMD reported its observations to the Border Patrol, who confirmed that Mexican authorities did not require additional assistance. At that point, TMD discontinued search operations.”
“During this period, TMD security personnel along the river never observed migrants in distress, nor did TMD turn away illegal migrants from the United States,” the agency said. “Also, TMD has not been made aware of any bodies in the Shelby Park area at any time, nor has TMD been made aware of any bodies found on the U.S. side of the border regarding this situation.”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has consulted with the Biden administration over border policy. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
Texas takes control of park as part of fight against illegal immigration, prevents Border Patrol from entering
The ministry said it was setting up water rescue equipment and working with local emergency services to assist migrants in need of medical care.
Tensions are high between Texas and the federal government, with lawsuits related to the construction of razor wire by Texas and its cutting by the administration, the installation of buoys in the Rio Grande, and the recent anti-illegal immigration bill signed by Mr. Abbott. in the process of.
Representative Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, called for greater cooperation between the state and federal government. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Cuellar said in an interview on Fox News Digital that he understands why states are frustrated with the government, but that this incident showed “we can’t do things alone.”
“If people really want to talk about border security, I think states should work with the federal government instead of excluding them,” he said.
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He said he has great respect for Texas authorities, noting that his brother once worked for the Department of Public Safety, but stressed the importance of cooperation between state and federal agencies.
“I just don’t understand what the purpose of trying to remove Border Patrol from certain areas is. We should eliminate politics and increase cooperation,” he said.
Fox News’ Matt Finn, Bill Melugin and Andrew Murray contributed to this report.
