The news network CNN--
According to a letter obtained exclusively by CNN from the Department of Homeland Security, the Biden administration has called for an immediate halt to Texas' actions that impede the access of US Border Patrol along a section of the US-Mexico border. This comes after a woman and two children drowned on Friday due to state officials preventing agents from entering the area.
In a letter addressed to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, it is stated that the actions taken by Texas have hindered operations and are in violation of the constitution. The letter also mentions the recent incident where Border Patrol reached out to Texas authorities upon discovering a group of migrants attempting to cross the Rio Grande. However, their request for access to the border was denied, resulting in the tragic death of three individuals.
According to a letter written by DHS General Counsel Jonathan Meyer, Texas continues to deny access to the border, even when there is a clear risk to people's lives and safety. This shows that Texas is unwilling to let Border Patrol carry out their duties and respond to emergencies, even in urgent situations.
According to a statement from the Texas Military Department, they have denied the claims made over the weekend, stating that their security personnel did not witness any migrants in distress. CNN has also contacted Paxton's office for a response regarding the letter.
The relationship between Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, and President Joe Biden has been growing increasingly tense due to the situation along the US southern border. This came to a head last week when Texas blocked federal law enforcement from entering a section of the US-Mexico border, which was an unprecedented action. It should be noted that the federal government holds the sole responsibility for enforcing immigration laws.
A letter states that the presence of Texas National Guard troops, equipment, and physical barriers has limited the access of Border Patrol to around 2.5 miles of the US-Mexico border. This area, Shelby Park, is situated close to Eagle Pass, Texas, a region that has experienced a significant influx of border crossings.
The Biden administration has repeatedly taken legal action against Texas in response to a string of contentious measures, citing the state's interference with their enforcement responsibilities.
According to the Biden administration, on Friday it was conveyed to the Supreme Court that Texas is preventing agents from reaching a part of the US-Mexico border. It was emphasized that the state's recent barriers "strengthen" the federal government's urgency for the high court to promptly address the issue.
On Saturday, officials from Texas submitted a response to the Supreme Court, stating that the state is taking swift action to guarantee that US Border Patrol agents can utilize a boat ramp to launch their patrol boats into the Rio Grande.
According to Meyer's correspondence to Paxton, despite Texas's assertion of reopening the park's usage, the state is still prohibiting Border Patrol from entering. Meyer also cautioned that further legal measures may be taken if the state does not cease its actions.
According to the letter, we urge Texas to immediately stop and discontinue its attempts to obstruct the Border Patrol's entry into the Shelby Park vicinity. Furthermore, all impediments to access in the Shelby Park area must be eliminated.
The letter states that if Texas does not confirm by January 17, 2024, that they will stop trying to prevent Border Patrol from accessing the Shelby Park area and remove all barriers to the U.S.-Mexico border, the matter will be referred to the Department of Justice for necessary measures. Other options will also be considered to restore Border Patrol's access to the border.
The measures taken by Abbott, such as the installation of concertina wire along the border with Mexico and the deployment of National Guard troops, have caused tension in the historically cordial relationship on the ground between him and the Border Patrol.
According to a former official from Homeland Security who spoke to CNN, the act of Texas blocking Border Patrol agents is truly astounding.
According to previous reports from CNN, Eagle Pass, a location in Texas that has been preventing federal authorities from entering, was the main area of concern during the border crisis last month. However, there has been a significant decrease in border crossings since then, with only about 500 encounters occurring daily last week compared to the thousands that were apprehended daily towards the end of last month.