(RepublicanReport.org) – In early 2021, Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) launched Operation Lone Star, an initiative to gain control of the southern border in his state. According to the Texas Tribune, the two entities running the operation are the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Texas Military Department. Recently, the governor surprised the mayor and residents of Eagle Pass.
On January 10, Texas Public Radio reported that Abbott’s Operation Lone Star seized control of Shelby Park in Eagle Pass, blocking the entrance in an apparent effort to stop illegal immigration. Eagle Pass Mayor Rolando Salinas shared a video of the dystopian seizure featuring a tall fence and military humvees preventing entrance to or exit from the public park.
Salinas spoke in the video in the interest of transparency. He stated he was informed that morning about the move, which was made without the city’s consent. According to the mayor, the seizure was “agreed to” nor something the city “wanted” or “asked for.” Texas DPS called Salinas, telling him Abbott made an “emergency declaration” and the government was using that to “take full control/custody of Shelby Park.” Salinas said his legal team and the city council were informed of the situation, and legal experts were looking into the matter to ensure everything was done above board.
When the mayor asked why this was happening, he said he was told it was to “prevent illegal undocumented people” from entering the city. Salinas wanted to make it clear to the residents of Eagle Pass that blocking off the public park was not his or the city’s decision, but that of the state. The city leader said the Texas DPS wouldn’t give him a timeframe on how long the seizure would last.
Newsmax reported that Eagle Pass is a popular place for illegal crossings and a focus for those highlighting issues at the southern border.
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