Tell the Department of Justice: Human Rights First, Demilitarize the Rio Grande and Eagle Pass, TX!

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland

Eagle Pass March
Residents of Eagle Pass, Texas, who are deeply rooted in love for their home and the Rio Grande, are facing political extremism at its worst. The Rio Grande River is more than a border. It is a lifeline, a sacred place, and a sanctuary, yet, escalating militarization under Texas Governor Abbott's regime is inflicting immense harm.

Join us to call for an end to the growing humanitarian and environmental crisis happening on the U.S.- Mexico border, being fueled by inhumane policy. Because of Texas Governor Abbott’s relentless militarization of the Rio Grande, residents no longer have access to their beloved Shelby Park. Residents, journalists, and experts have witnessed devastating environmental impacts to the Rio Grande and its wildlife, the cruel razor buoys and concertina wire are endangering human life, and now armed extremists militias are making their way to Eagle Pass and other parts of the U.S. - Mexico border.

Most recently, a woman and two children tragically drowned while Texas National Guard soldiers allegedly had denied entry to federal border agents who may have been able to aid them.

Governor Abbott continues to lose in court, but refuses to comply. On December 1, 2023 a federal appeals court ordered Texas to remove the razor buoys from the Rio Grande. And on January 22, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that federal Border Patrol agents could resume cutting razor wire from the banks of the river. A defiant Gov. Abbott has refused to remove the razor buoys from the Rio Grande and continues to lay razor wire along the banks of the Rio Grande.

While community power is growing and Eagle Pass Border Coalition continues to organize, we cannot allow this injustice to continue. The Biden administration’s Department of Homeland Security recently called on the state of Texas to "cease and desist its efforts to block Border Patrol's access in and around the Shelby Park area and remove all barriers to access to the U.S.-Mexico border ..."

As Governor Abbott doubles down on his white supremacist anti-immigrant agenda, we demand the Department of Justice (DOJ) to step in. The DOJ must order the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division to open an investigation into the extremist militias who descended on Eagle Pass and consider all options available to restore Eagle Pass residents' access to Shelby Park, demilitarize the banks of the Rio Grande in the city, and allow federal officials to process migrants seeking protection.

Each and every day, local activists are defending human rights and protecting those seeking refuge and a better life for their families. Tell U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and the Dept of Justice: Open an investigation into extremist militias and Demand Gov. Abbott Demilitarize the Rio Grande and Eagle Pass, TX!

References:

  1. Gilbert, David. “The Border Convoy Is Nearing Its Final Destination—With Vigilantes and Far-Right Extremists in Tow.” Wired. February 2, 2024.
  2. Montoya-Galvez, Camilo. “3 migrants drowned near area where Texas has denied entry to federal border agents.” CBS News. January 15, 2024.
  3. Richards, Zoë. “Appeals court orders Texas to remove buoy barrier on the Rio Grande border.” NBC News. December 1, 2023.
  4. Sherman, Mark, Weber, Paul J. “Supreme Court allows federal agents to cut razor wire Texas installed on US-Mexico border.” Associated Press. January 22, 2024.
  5. Salam, Erum. “Fight over border intensifies as Texas governor pledges more razor wire.” The Guardian. January 26, 2024.
  6. Barr, Luke. “DHS threatens to take 'appropriate action' against Texas over border access.” CBS News. January 15, 2024.
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United We Dream

To: U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland
From: [Your Name]

Residents of Eagle Pass, Texas, deeply rooted in love for their home and the Rio Grande, are facing political extremism at its worst. The Rio Grande River is more than a border. It is a lifeline, a sacred place, and a sanctuary, yet, escalating militarization under Texas Governor Abbott's regime is inflicting immense harm.

It’s time to put an end to the growing humanitarian and environmental crisis happening on the U.S.- Mexico border. For months, Texas Governor Abbott has militarized the Rio Grande in Eagle Pass, Texas and the harm this is causing is monumental. Eagle Pass residents no longer have access to their beloved Shelby Park, residents and experts have witnessed devastating environmental impacts to the Rio Grande and its wildlife, and the cruel razor buoys and concertina wire are extremely dangerous to human life. Most recently, a woman and three children tragically drowned and it was reported that Texas National Guard soldiers denied entry to federal border agents to help the family in distress.

While we commend the Biden administration for challenging Governor Abbott’s cruel anti-immigrant agenda, we need your leadership to once and for all put a stop to Texas’ illegal actions. We urge you to open an investigation into extremist militias and demand Gov. Abbott demilitarize the Rio Grande and Eagle Pass, TX. Please consider all other options available to restore Eagle Pass residents' access to their beloved Shelby Park, demilitarize the park and the banks of the Rio Grande in the city, and allow federal officials to process migrants seeking protection.

Thank you.