Texas: Woman, 2 Children Drown at Rio Grande in Attempt To Enter USA From Mexico
Texas migrants, a woman and two children, lost their lives attempting to cross the Rio Grande from Mexico into the US.
Texas military officers reportedly prevented federal border officials from providing assistance, intensifying the ongoing immigration dispute between Texas Governor Greg Abbott and President Joe Biden's administration.
This devastating event occurred near Shelby Park in Eagle Pass, an area where Texas has recently implemented its own border controls, Reuters reported.
The Texas National Guard had added concertina wire and fencing to this location, which is not an authorized port of entry.
In a filing to the US Supreme Court on Friday, the federal government accused Texas of erecting new barriers to impede federal Border Patrol agents from accessing the Rio Grande through a boat ramp.
Texas countered, stating that Border Patrol agents had significantly reduced their use of the boat ramp in recent months, and they were unaware of any objections until the court filing.
READ NEXT: Texas Immigration Law Violates Constitution, Says DOJ
Border Patrol Agents Denied Access During Emergency
US Representative Henry Cuellar, a Democrat, reported that Border Patrol agents were alerted around 9 PM on Friday about a group of distressed Texas migrants attempting to cross the Rio Grande, per Al Jazeera.
When federal agents failed to contact Texas officials by phone, they went in person to the Shelby Park entrance.
However, Texas Military Department (TMD) soldiers at the scene refused access to the Texas migrants, even in the event of an emergency.
They committed to sending a soldier to investigate the situation, but they physically prevented US border agents from entering the area.
This obstruction hindered the agents from arresting individuals crossing the border illegally and providing humanitarian aid.
The bodies of the woman and two children were later recovered by Mexican authorities, and their identities have not been disclosed.
Representative Cuellar placed responsibility on the State for this tragic outcome.
Political Tensions Escalate Amid US Migrant Crisis
Rep. Joaquin Castro, another Texas Democrat, criticized Texas officials, stating that they blocked Border Patrol agents from performing their duties, resulting in the drowning of three Texas migrants in the Rio Grande, according to CNN.
The Texas National Guard, Texas Department of Public Safety, and Gov. Greg Abbott's office referred inquiries to the Texas National Guard.
Eagle Pass, a focal point of the US migrant crisis, has experienced a notable reduction in daily apprehensions, down to approximately 500 this week from the thousands reported weeks ago.
Tensions persist between state and federal officials over various policies, including the use of razor wire along the border and a new state law criminalizing illegal entry into Texas.
The White House expressed sorrow over the recent Texas migrant deaths, characterizing Gov. Abbott's directives as "political stunts."
The Biden administration has raised concerns with the US Supreme Court, emphasizing the urgent need for court intervention to address the State's actions hindering Border Patrol access.
On Saturday, Texas assured the Supreme Court that it was swiftly working to ensure Border Patrol's access to the boat ramp at Shelby Park, seeking resolution amid the escalating tragedy and political dispute.
READ MORE: Mexico Tears Down Abandoned Tents at US Border
This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Bert Hoover
WATCH: Three migrants drown in Rio Grande after Texas border patrol block | NewsNation Prime - From News Nation
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