A public park in Eagle Pass, Texas has been taken over by the state government in an effort to prevent migrants from illegally crossing the Rio Grande.
The decision to close Shelby Park was made by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Texas National Guard in an effort to secure the border. This unexpected development has also resulted in the cancellation of a memorial service planned for this Saturday, which was intended to honor migrants who lost their lives trying to cross the border. Eagle Pass Mayor Rolando Salinas disclosed this information in a social media post on Wednesday night, leaving the community in shock.
According to Mayor Salinas, the state has put up a gate and sealed off Shelby Park in response to the ongoing migrant crisis at the border. The park had been the intended location for a ceremony to remember migrants who died in 2023 trying to enter the United States. However, with the closure of the park, it is highly unlikely that the event will be able to take place.
The ceremony, which was organized by Amerika Garcia Grewal, the founder of Eagle Pass Border Vigil, was meant to be a somber remembrance of the lives lost in the treacherous journey across the border. Grewal expressed surprise and disappointment at the closure of the park, stating that this decision has put a damper on their plans.
In response, Governor Greg Abbott’s spokeswoman Renae Eze stated that the state of Texas is taking all necessary measures to secure the border and prevent illegal immigration. She also criticized the Biden administration for their policies, which have allegedly led to a record-high number of illegal crossings. Governor Abbott issued a declaration of a border disaster in 2021, which was renewed in December, giving the state the authority to take control of certain areas along the border. Maverick County, where Eagle Pass is located, is covered under this declaration.
This is not the first time that Shelby Park has been taken over by state officials. Last year, the park was taken over by the state but the order was later revoked. Mayor Salinas clarified in his post that the decision to close the park was not made by the city of Eagle Pass, but rather by the state using their emergency powers. He also stated that officials told him the closure is indefinite. Amerika Garcia Grewal expressed her disbelief and disappointment at this development, stating that Shelby Park is a popular spot for families to celebrate holidays and birthdays, and for residents to access the public boat ramp and downtown district.
NEW: The Texas Military Department confirms the TX National Guard has seized control of Shelby Park in Eagle Pass (city property where mass illegal crossings are), and is restricting Border Patrol from accessing the area, saying the Feds “perpetuate illegal crossings”. This is… pic.twitter.com/29UqFmWDsx
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) January 12, 2024
The unexpected closure of Shelby Park has raised concerns and questions among the residents of Eagle Pass. The approximately 30,000 residents of the town have lost access to their park, which covers an area of 35 acres. The park had been the go-to place for families and individuals to spend their free time, and the closure has caused inconvenience and disappointment. The closure of the public boat ramp is also a cause for concern, as it provides access to the Rio Grande and is crucial for boating and fishing activities. The closure of the park has also resulted in the loss of free parking spaces for residents, who now have to make alternative arrangements.
The closure of Shelby Park has also impacted the economic activities in the town. Local businesses in the downtown area and on the border have been affected as well, as access to the park was used by many to shop and buy goods. With the closure of the park, businesses fear a decline in customers and loss of revenue. The potential long-term effects of this decision on the economy remain to be seen. The closure of the park has also raised concerns about the fate of the over 700 wooden crosses that had been placed in the park to commemorate the migrants who lost their lives. As the park remains inaccessible, the future of these crosses is uncertain.
Meanwhile, the number of migrants attempting to illegally cross the border in Eagle Pass has significantly decreased in the past few days. From over 4,000 per day, the number has dropped to about 400 per day, officials say. This decline has been attributed to the deployment of additional razor wire and anti-climb barriers by the Texas National Guard, as well as the efforts of the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The Hope Mission Border migrant shelter, which had been overwhelmed with migrants in recent months, now has a significantly lower number of occupants. The closure of Shelby Park has been viewed by some as evidence that the state’s actions are proving to be effective. However, others remain concerned about the closure of a public space and the cancelation of the memorial service. The community of Eagle Pass has been left in disbelief and uncertainty about the future of their treasured park.