Texas state officials have started to arrest illegal migrants in the state.
Lt. Chris Olivarez, a spokesperson for the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), posted on X, formerly Twitter, “Under the authority of Gov. [Greg Abbott]’s Border Disaster Declaration, [Texas DPS] troopers are arresting illegal immigrants for criminal trespass at [Shelby Park] in Eagle Pass.”
“Troopers are enforcing criminal trespass on single adult men [and] women. The State of [Texas] will maintain a proactive posture in curbing illegal border crossings between the ports of entry,” he added.
Under the authority of Gov. @GregAbbott_TX’s Border Disaster Declaration, @TxDPS Troopers are arresting illegal immigrants for criminal trespass at #ShelbyPark in Eagle Pass. Troopers are enforcing criminal trespass on single adult men & women. The State of #Texas will maintain a… pic.twitter.com/EuRhYDNYLH
— Chris Olivarez (@LtChrisOlivarez) January 18, 2024
Olivarez also shared videos of migrants being arrested.
CNN noted these are the first arrests since Texas officials assumed control of the Eagle Pass section of the U.S.-Mexico border.
Oliverez told reporters migrant adults were taken into state custody. Meanwhile, children and families were transferred to Border Patrol.
He also stated migrants will face state trespassing charges.
The area where the arrests took place has been a source of contention between Texas and federal officials.
Fox News’ Bill Melugin noted Texas officials “seized” control of the area and “kicked the Feds out.”
After state officials declined to let Border Patrol back into the area, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) accused Texas of engaging in unconstitutional actions and impeding its operations.
It also vowed to “refer the matter to the Department of Justice for appropriate action and consider all other options available to restore Border Patrol’s access to the border.”