Texas officers on Tuesday vehemently denied a brand new press report that that they had ordered police to push unlawful immigrant kids again into the Rio Grande and refused to present water to those that make it throughout the river from Mexico.
State officers insisted their mission is targeted on saving lives, they usually mentioned no orders have been given that may threaten the lives of unlawful immigrants.
The robust denial was sparked by tales Monday in The Houston Chronicle and San Antonio Express-News {that a} state trooper had mentioned he and his colleagues had been ordered to “push children into the Rio Grande” and have been instructed “not to give water to migrants,” even in circumstances of maximum warmth.
The trooper, in an e mail to a supervisor, additionally recounted a pregnant girl who was caught on the razor wire and a 4-year-old woman who tried to sneak by way of the wire and was pushed again by National Guard troops.
The state officers mentioned they’re attempting to funnel migrants towards authorized border crossings, and acknowledged using powerful measures to manage the move of individuals, together with utilizing razor wire to dam off components of the U.S. aspect of the Rio Grande. But they solid the transfer as a solution to deter harmful crossings, quite than an try to intimidate or endanger these which might be trying to enter illegally.
“No orders or directions have been given under Operation Lone Star that would compromise the lives of those attempting to cross the border illegally,” mentioned the three officers, Texas border czar Mike Banks, Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw and Adjutant Major General Thomas Suelzer.
They added: “The Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas Military Department continue taking steps to monitor migrants in distress, provide appropriate medical attention when needed, and encourage them to use one of the 29 international bridges along the Texas-Mexico Border where they can safely and legally cross. With migrants from over 150 countries encouraged by open border policies to risk their lives and make this dangerous trek to enter our country illegally, Texas is deploying every tool and strategy to deter and repel illegal crossings between ports of entry.”
The media stories sparked fierce denunciations from immigration activists, who’ve cheered the Biden administration’s extra relaxed strategy to unlawful immigration and excoriated Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s makes an attempt to fill border gaps through the use of his personal manpower and assets.
“Yes, the details are a shocking new low from Gov. Greg Abbott and they cry out for a reckoning. However, I’m doubtful that Gov. Abbott is capable of self-reflection or real accountability,” mentioned Mario Carrillo, a Texas-based operative for America’s Voice, a number one advocacy group.
Rep. Joaquin Castro, Texas Democrat, known as the stories “absolutely monstrous.”
At the White House, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre known as the stories “despicable,” and whereas she mentioned she didn’t know in the event that they have been true, she took a shot at Mr. Abbott anyway.
“I would say, sadly, it would not be surprising from a governor, who, let’s not forget, on Christmas Eve, put migrant children on the streets in below-zero-degree temperatures. That’s what we saw from this governor,” she mentioned.
The Texas officers mentioned state personnel deployed to the border are “prepared to detect and respond to any individuals who may need water or medical attention.”
The officers did, although, defend the usage of razor wire “that snags clothing,” calling it a vital deterrent to folks making “life-threatening” crossings.
“Until President Biden reverses his open border policies and does his job to secure the border, Texas will continue protecting Texans and Americans from the chaos along the border,” the officers mentioned.
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