Texas Border City Celebrates Annual Ride Amid Immigration Crisis and Political Showdown
In the midst of an ongoing immigration crisis and a tense showdown between Texas Governor Greg Abbott and the Biden administration, the border city of Eagle Pass, Texas, held its annual ride to the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. Cowboys and cowgirls from Eagle Pass and the neighboring Mexican city of Piedras Negras gathered at one of the international bridges for a weeklong ride that showcases the connectivity between the United States and Mexico.
Mayor Rolando Salinas emphasized that Eagle Pass is “more than just the immigration crisis that you see in the media.” Despite drawing attention for the border policing dispute, the annual “La Cabalgata Internacional La Grande” is a point of local pride for the community.
Meanwhile, a few hours away in Quemado, about 200 advocates gathered for a “Take Back Our Border” rally. Connie Hinton, a participant from Austin, Texas, expressed her support for controlling illegal immigration. The rally, which originated with a trucker convoy in Virginia, highlighted the impact of the unprecedented migrant surge on Eagle Pass, a town often overlooked by big retailers.
Mission: Border Hope, an organization that assists migrants with travel plans after their release by Border Patrol, has seen a significant decrease in daily arrivals. Valeria Wheeler, the director of the group, reported that arrivals have dropped to about 20 per day from highs of approximately 1,200. However, due to concerns about potential unrest, the group’s shelter closed ahead of the rally.
The conflict between Governor Abbott and the Biden administration escalated in early January when Texas seized control of Shelby Park, a prominent location along the Rio Grande. The park, which consists of playing fields and a boat ramp, is now closed, and U.S. Border Patrol agents are denied entry. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas condemned the governor’s actions as “unconscionable,” accusing him of creating disorder and hindering collaboration between public officials.
Eagle Pass, with a population of around 30,000, has become a major corridor for illegal border crossings in recent years. As a result, it has been a prime focus of Abbott’s enforcement efforts. In December, the Border Patrol’s Del Rio sector, which encompasses Eagle Pass, recorded the second-highest number of arrests for illegal crossings, with 71,095 arrests. Visitors to the area have struggled to find accommodations as the state law enforcement presence increases, with budget chains charging over $200 per night.
The ongoing border dispute has led to heightened security measures and tensions. Texas National Guard members have erected razor wire along the riverbanks, and the state continues to install more despite a temporary ruling by the Supreme Court allowing the Border Patrol to cut the existing wire. The federal government argues that the wire hinders border patrol operations and assistance to migrants in need.
Amidst the political turmoil, supporters of Governor Abbott gathered at a ranch outside Eagle Pass ahead of the rally. Vendors sold Donald Trump-inspired merchandise, reflecting the sentiment that the federal government has lost its way and should prioritize protecting the states. However, critics of Abbott’s campaign argue that it is a waste of resources and fails to address the root causes of migration.
Julio Vasquez, a pastor in Eagle Pass, criticized Abbott’s approach, stating that migrants come seeking help and assistance. Alicia Garcia, a lifelong resident of Eagle Pass, questioned the effectiveness of Abbott’s efforts given that many asylum-seekers are released by U.S. authorities to pursue their cases in immigration court.
As the immigration crisis continues to unfold and tensions persist between state and federal authorities, Eagle Pass finds itself at the center of a complex and multifaceted issue. The annual ride and the “Take Back Our Border” rally serve as reminders of the community’s resilience and determination to navigate through these challenging times.
