Residents Urge Texas to Reclaim Shelby Park for Eagle Pass

The Battle for Shelby Park: A Community Divided by Border Security

Eagle Pass, Texas — Nestled along the U.S.-Mexico border, Eagle Pass has long been a crossroads of culture, commerce, and, increasingly, conflict. The city, which has historically welcomed migrants seeking economic opportunities, now finds itself at the center of a contentious debate over border security and local autonomy. The focal point of this struggle is Shelby Park, a beloved community space that has become a symbol of the tensions between state and federal authorities.

A Historical Context

The story of Shelby Park is intertwined with the broader narrative of border security in the United States. More than 15 years ago, when the federal government proposed constructing a border fence through Eagle Pass, residents were quick to voice their opposition. Ranchers and local leaders alike expressed skepticism, questioning the effectiveness and rationale behind such a barrier. “What has America come to?” asked the mayor at the time, reflecting a sentiment that resonated deeply within the community.

Despite the pushback, the federal government proceeded with its plans, erecting a 1.8-mile-long, 14-foot-tall black metal fence that now encircles parts of the park. This decision marked the beginning of a new chapter in the city’s history, one characterized by a growing sense of occupation and loss.

The Impact of Operation Lone Star

In recent years, the state of Texas has ramped up its border security efforts through Operation Lone Star, a $11 billion initiative aimed at curbing illegal immigration. This program has seen the deployment of thousands of National Guard troops and Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers to patrol the border and arrest migrants on state charges. Eagle Pass has emerged as a critical site for these operations, with the state establishing a military base and implementing various security measures, including a controversial floating buoy barrier in the Rio Grande.

The state’s actions have not gone unnoticed by local residents, many of whom feel that their voices are being drowned out by the machinery of government. Jessie Fuentes, a local activist and business owner, lamented the loss of Shelby Park, where families once gathered for soccer games, fishing, and community events. “We lost, but you know what, we fought,” he said, emphasizing the community’s resilience in the face of adversity.

The Seizure of Shelby Park

The saga of Shelby Park took a dramatic turn last summer when Mayor Rolando Salinas agreed to declare the park private property at the state’s request, allowing troopers to arrest migrants for trespassing. However, after receiving backlash from residents, the city council rescinded the agreement. Despite this, the state moved forward, seizing control of the park in January without the city’s consent.

“This is not something that we wanted. This is not something that we asked for as a city,” Salinas stated, highlighting the disconnect between state actions and local desires. The park, once a vibrant hub of community life, has now become a militarized zone, with concertina wire and armed soldiers patrolling the area.

Community Response and Rally for Change

On a recent Saturday, a small rally was held to demand the return of Shelby Park to the community. Attended by fewer than 100 people, many from nearby El Paso, the event underscored the growing frustration among locals who feel marginalized by state policies. The rally featured speeches from community leaders and activists, including Fuentes, who called for the restoration of the park as a space for families and children.

Among the attendees was Jose Corpus, a lifelong resident of Eagle Pass, who reminisced about the park’s role in hosting significant community events. “It’s difficult to explain the feeling,” he said, reflecting on the transformation of the park from a place of joy to a site of military presence. “Sometimes I feel helpless, frustrated that our political leaders don’t represent us.”

A Symbol of Division

As the rally unfolded, the atmosphere was charged with a mix of hope and despair. A piñata shaped like the floating buoy barrier hung between utility poles, serving as a playful yet poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle against state-imposed restrictions. Children eagerly took turns striking the piñata, their laughter contrasting sharply with the somber reality of the park’s current state.

Nearby, DPS troopers monitored the event from their vehicles, a stark reminder of the heavy-handed approach the state has taken in Eagle Pass. The juxtaposition of community spirit and state authority encapsulates the broader tensions at play in this border city.

The Future of Eagle Pass

As Eagle Pass grapples with the implications of heightened border security, the fate of Shelby Park remains uncertain. The community’s fight for its park is emblematic of a larger struggle for autonomy and representation in the face of state and federal policies that often overlook local voices. The residents of Eagle Pass continue to advocate for their rights, determined to reclaim their park and restore a sense of normalcy to their lives.

In this ongoing battle, the people of Eagle Pass stand united, holding onto the hope that their voices will be heard and their community will once again thrive.