The Brief
- Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared a state of emergency at Shelby Park in Eagle Pass, fortifying it with anti-climb barriers to deter migrants from crossing the border.
- Operation Lone Star has increased the presence of Texas DPS troopers and National Guard members along the southern border, sparking mixed reactions among local residents.
- Migrants who cross into U.S. territory in this area face state charges instead of being turned over to Border Patrol, as part of Texas’s emergency measures.
EAGLE PASS, Texas – In a bid to deter migrants from crossing into the United States, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared a state of emergency at Shelby Park in Eagle Pass, Texas. The park, which lies across from Piedras Negras, Mexico, is now under state control and fortified with anti-climb barriers, including fences and concertina wire.
Operation Lone Star launched in 2021
What we know:
Since the launch of Operation Lone Star in 2021, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers and National Guard members have increased their presence along the southern border. This initiative aims to bolster federal law enforcement efforts, but it has sparked mixed reactions among Texans.
The park is now lined with shipping containers, fences, and razor wire, serving as a deterrent for illegal crossings. Under Governor Abbott’s orders, the National Guard controls the area, which includes a tactical action center for military operations. The Texas Department of Emergency Management and DPS oversee border buoys on the Rio Grande.
Illegal migrants could face state charges
If migrants manage to cross into U.S. territory, they face state charges rather than being handed over to Border Patrol. This policy is part of the state’s emergency measures, allowing Texas DPS to apprehend and charge individuals.
State’s controversial control over Shelby Park
What they’re saying:…