Texas takes control of park, prevents Border Patrol access, in opposition to illegal immigration.

The Texas National Guard has taken control of a park near the U.S. southern border and is preventing Border Patrol agents from entering the area, as part of an effort to halt the influx of illegal immigrants into Texas. This action is likely to heighten tensions between Texas Governor Greg Abbott and the federal government.

The U.S. border crisis has led to the state government taking control of Shelby Park in Eagle Pass, Texas. Authorities have now erected razor wire and fences to restrict access to the area.

According to Eagle Pass Mayor Rolando Salinas, the decision to remove Border Patrol agents from the area was made under Gov. Greg Abbott's emergency declaration. Salinas stated that this was not something the city had requested and that his understanding is that Border Patrol is no longer present in the area.

The Texas Military Dept. has maintained a presence in the park since 2021, with security points and temporary barriers.

The current stance is to prepare for future increases in illegal immigrants and limit access to organizations that facilitate illegal immigrant crossings in the park and surrounding Eagle Pass area, according to the statement.

The Border Patrol union praised Abbott for taking matters into his own hands after confirming that Texas soldiers were blocking their agents from entering.

"Governor Abbott is not hindering Border Patrol operations, but rather strengthening them, as stated by National Border Patrol Council Brandon Judd. By taking control of Shelby Park, our agents can focus on areas with high numbers of gotaways. Governor Abbott's actions should be viewed as a force enhancer."

CBP sources later confirmed that Border Patrol is being blocked in two areas of operation in Eagle Pass, and agents had to divert resources to prevent a confrontation.

A senior official stated that blocking federal authorities from performing their duties provides no operational or law enforcement benefits, has no impact on migrant flow, and adds unnecessary steps to the process since they are eventually turned over at other locations after Texas stops receiving them.

The latest escalation in the feud between Texas and the federal government over handling the crisis has left both Texas and cities throughout the country overwhelmed.

In 2021, Abbott launched Operation Lone Star to increase resources and law enforcement at the border. As part of this operation, he erected a buoy border barrier in the Rio Grande River, resulting in a lawsuit from the federal government.

The Biden administration has filed a lawsuit against Texas over a recently enacted anti-illegal immigration law, claiming that it impedes the federal government's authority and hinders immigration operations and proceedings, and strains relations with foreign governments.

The lawsuit filed by Texas against the administration for cutting and destroying razor wire used to stop illegal crossings in areas near Shelby Park is ongoing and could soon reach the Supreme Court.

Last month, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that Gov. Abbott's policies and political stunts are not safe for Texas communities and our CBP and law enforcement on the ground, putting them in harm's way and dehumanizing and demonizing immigrants through his political stunts.

The federal government's criticism of Abbott's office has been dismissed, and Abbott's office has accused the administration of exacerbating the crisis through "open border policies."

The Biden Administration's open border policies have led to a surge in illegal immigration, prompting Texas to fortify its southern border with additional razor wire and anti-climb barriers. However, instead of enforcing federal immigration laws, the Biden Administration is allowing Mexican cartels to smuggle people into our country, according to Abbott spokesperson Renae Eze.

"Texas will continue to deploy National Guard soldiers, DPS troopers, and barriers to address President Biden's ongoing border crisis."

Over 100,000 migrants have been bused to "sanctuary" cities across the country by Texas in an attempt to ease the strain on overwhelmed border communities.

Some Texas conservatives immediately supported Abbott's latest move in Shelby Park.

Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, stated on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he fully supports the Governor's efforts to secure Texas' border legally, regardless of the extent necessary.

This report was contributed to by Griff Jenkins, Louis Casiano, and Casey Stegall of Planet Chronicle.