A mother and two children drowned in the Rio Grande on Jan. 12, trying to cross the border from Mexico to the United States near Eagle Pass. Texas National Guardsmen responded to the crisis, and when federal officers tried to do the same, they were allegedly denied access.
By January 22nd, the Supreme Court had authorized federal officials to take down razor wire fencing Texas officials set up. The situation escalated dizzyingly fast, and many are left confused. However, in a country where so much legislation and politics is based around such issues, it is necessary to stay well informed. So, what is the latest information on the Texas border, and more importantly, what does it mean?
Border control has been a hot button issue for a very long time, but the current standoff between Texas and the federal government has caught the nation’s attention more than ever before. A disagreement between who should control Shelby Park and Eagle Pass, and manage the border there contributed to the deaths of three people. The earliest tangible sign of a dispute was the January 10th denial of Border Patrol surveillance equipment in the area, something Border Patrol claims contributed to the tragic outcome. That same day Texas authorities were seen putting up barbed wire fences in several key areas of access. Any Border Patrol agents who attempted to pass through the area in the following days were subjected to questioning and supervision as Texas attempted to keep control of the area.
In response, The US Department of Homeland Security ordered that Texas end its blockade by Jan. 17. This would include letting federal agents through and allowing government surveillance. When Governor Greg Abbott doubled down, the Supreme Court voted to allow the cutting of razor wire.
With all the coverage of the Texas border, it is easy to forget that there are other border states. Border states that are not in a standoff with the federal government. Why is Texas so protective over Eagle Pass, and why aren’t other states facing similar issues?
As it turns out, they are and have been for a long time. Illegal immigration numbers have skyrocketed in the past three years and border states especially have been struggling to manage the situation. Reforms are being called for on all sides, but until now they have been difficult to negotiate.
New immigration policy, marking the first major overhaul since the 1990s, would cap how many migrants can claim asylum between border checkpoints and allow the executive branch to shut down immigration if it got too overwhelming. Other legislation that seeks to speed up the rate of asylum cases and make requirements for asylum or humanitarian aid stricter are also being considered. However, there are obstacles to this bill being passed.
Republicans are against this move, with presidential candidate Donald Trump being especially vocal about his displeasure. Growing pressures resulted in a demonstration near the border last Saturday, where political and Christian messages were shared side by side. Despite concerns of potential violence, none occurred. The rally did not even take place at Eagle Pass, but at the Cornerstone Children’s Ranch about 20 miles away. For his part, Governor Abbott has reaffirmed his desire to stand his ground and 25 Republican state governors have decided to stand with him.
