Arizona House Speaker Ben Toma has joined forces with a coalition of 27 states backing Texas in its dispute with the Biden administration over the deployment of razor wire barriers at the border to control migration.
Toma, a Republican, announced on Monday that he supports Texas and Governor Greg Abbott’s decision to deny Border Patrol agents access to Shelby Park, a riverfront area frequently used by migrants for illegal entry into the U.S.
In response to a Supreme Court decision enabling Border Patrol agents to cut or remove the sharp metal barrier, Texas has implemented additional rows of wire in the park.
Governor Abbott considers this fencing a prominent measure to discourage migrants in the border city of Eagle Pass. On Monday, a letter expressing support for Texas’ initiatives was sent to President Biden.
“Texas has every right to defend itself from the unprecedented flow of illegal immigration, drug trafficking and countless threats at our southern border because of President Biden’s willful refusal to protect this nation,” Toma stated.
Texas has accused the Biden administration of failing to adequately address illegal border crossings, despite some improvement in numbers.
Texas troopers and National Guard members have maintained a significant presence at Shelby Park since last summer, when thousands of migrants were illegally crossing from Mexico.
Crossings have notably decreased since the beginning of January, not only in Eagle Pass but also in other areas along the U.S.-Mexico border.
However, almost two weeks into the new year, the state informed Eagle Pass Mayor Rolando Salinas that access to Shelby Park would be closed.
Mayor Salinas stated in a video posted on social media that he received no explanation for the timing of the closure and was unaware of when the public would be allowed back into the popular recreation area.
Texas informed the Supreme Court that the park was reopened to the public days after its closure, but the federal government expressed doubts in its letter. The Biden administration requested access to the park, which includes an area beneath a port of entry and a boat ramp.
