The Department of Homeland Security and a Texas congressman said Saturday that an adult migrant and two children drowned in an area of the southern border where Texas was blocking Border Patrol entry, but Texas authorities say they thoroughly investigated the incident and did not see any migrants in danger.
“Tragically, a woman and two children drowned last night in the Shelby Park area of Eagle Pass, which was seized by the state of Texas earlier this week,” a DHS spokesperson said in a statement.
Texas had earlier this week taken control of Shelby Park along the Rio Grande, an area that had previously served as a staging area for processing during waves of migrants in the busy crossing zone. DHS had said Texas had blocked it from entering the area. The Texas Military Department said the move was to prepare for future waves of illegal immigrants and stop organizations that perpetuate crossings.
WHITE HOUSE ACCUSES ABBOTT OF TRYING TO 'POLITICIZE THE BORDER' AFTER TEXAS TAKES PARK ALONG THE RIO GRANDE
A National Guard soldier stands guard on the banks of the Rio Grande River at Shelby Park on January 12, 2024 in Eagle Pass, Texas. ((Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images))
In its statement, DHS said that “in response to a distress call from the Mexican government, Texas officials physically prohibited Border Patrol agents from entering the area.”
“The governor of Texas' policies are cruel, dangerous and inhumane, and Texas' blatant disregard for federal immigration authority poses serious risks. The state of Texas should stop interfering with U.S. law enforcement. the United States Border Patrol,” the statement said.
Separately, a CBP spokesperson said the agency is saddened by the deaths and “gravely concerned by actions that prevent the U.S. Border Patrol from carrying out its essential missions of apprehending people who enter the borders illegally.” United States and provide humanitarian response to people in need.”
The White House also linked the drownings to what it called “political tricks” by Texas Governor Abbott.
“On Friday night, a woman and two children drowned near Eagle Pass, and Texas officials prevented the U.S. Border Patrol from attempting to provide emergency assistance. As we continue to gather data on the circumstances of these tragic deaths, one thing is clear: Governor Abbott's decision The political maneuvers are cruel, inhumane and dangerous,” a spokesperson said. “The United States Border Patrol must have access to the border to enforce our laws.”
Earlier, Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, had issued a statement announcing the deaths. He said Border Patrol attempted to contact Texas officials by phone after learning of six migrants in distress, but was unsuccessful, and then relayed the information verbally in person to Texas Military Department soldiers, who said they would not allow the access to Border Patrol even in the case of an emergency.
DOJ RENEWS SCOTUS PUSH TO ACT AFTER TEXAS TAKES BORDER AREAS AND BLOCKS BORDER PATROL ENTRY
“Border Patrol personnel were forced out of Shelby Park earlier this week by the Texas National Guard under the order of Governor Abbott. As a result, Border Patrol was unable to assist the immigrants and attempt to save them,” he said. .
In a statement of its own, the Texas Military Department confirmed that it had been contacted by Border Patrol about a “migrant distress situation” and searched the river with lights and night vision goggles, but no migrants were observed.
“At approximately 9:45 p.m., TMD observed a group of Mexican authorities responding to an incident on the Mexican side of the riverbank,” the statement read. “TMD reported their observations to Border Patrol and they confirmed that Mexican authorities did not need additional assistance. At that time TMD ceased search operations.”
“At no time did TMD security personnel along the river observe any migrants in distress, nor did TMD turn away any illegal immigrants from the United States during this period,” the agency said. “Furthermore, at no time was TMD informed of any bodies in the Shelby Park area nor was TMD informed of any bodies discovered on the U.S. side of the border in connection with this situation.”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has sparred with the Biden administration over border policies. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
TEXAS TAKES CONTROL OF THE PARK AND BLOCKS THE ENTRANCE OF THE BORDER PATROL, AS PART OF EFFORTS AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION
The department said it maintains water rescue teams and works with local emergency services to help migrants in need of medical attention.
Tensions have been high between Texas and the federal government, with ongoing lawsuits related to the construction of razor wire in Texas and the administration's cutting of it, the establishment of buoys in the Rio Grande, and a recent law against illegal immigration signed by Abbott.
Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, has called for greater cooperation between his state and the federal government. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Speaking to Fox News Digital, Cuellar said he understands why the government can frustrate the state, but said the incident showed that “you can't do things alone.”
“I think this is something where if people really want to talk about border security, the state should work with the federal government instead of excluding them,” he said.
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He said he has great respect for Texas law enforcement, noting that his brother used to be an officer with the Department of Public Safety, but he stressed the importance of state and federal agencies working together.
“I just don't understand what the purpose is of trying to exclude the Border Patrol from a particular area and it should be … less politics and more cooperation,” he said.
Fox News' Matt Finn, Bill Melugin and Andrew Murray contributed to this report.
