Eagle Pass Residents' Surprise: Public Park Now Invitation-Only

Canva
loading...
Canva

In the state of Texas, a city council had made a public park into the private property of the mayor.

This unusual decision happened in Eagle Pass and was made by Mayor Rolando Salinas Jr.

He even made it a crime for people to go to the , very public, Shelby Park without permission.

Canva
Canva
loading...

However, after lots of complaints from the people of Eagle Pass, the city council have agreed to cancel this policy.

Shelby Park is right next to the Rio Grande River and is an important place for Texas Governor Greg Abbott's plans to control the border.

Texas Deploys Buoys Into Rio Grande River To Deter Migrants
Getty Images
loading...

Once the park became private, it was used as the main place for a big buoy wall, which is also part of the governor's plans for the border.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) was even allowed to arrest immigrants who crossed into the US at the park.

Texas Deploys Buoys Into Rio Grande River To Deter Migrants
Getty Images
loading...

93.1 KISS FM logo
Enter your number to get our free mobile app

But during this time, many citizens who lived there (legally) said they weren't allowed to go to the park.

The mayor said that the park was never meant to be closed to the people who resided in Eagle Pass, but also said that the DPS might not leave the park right away, while they talk about their agreement again.

Canva
Canva
loading...

About 30 people from the community talked about this policy during a public meeting, which led to a dialogue.

Even though a few people who work in law enforcement and local government supported the policy, the majority of people wanted it to be canceled.

The Eagle Pass Border Coalition, a local group, stressed how important the park is to the community and talked about how the DPS had taken over the place.

Canva
Canva
loading...

They also mentioned that since the DPS started controlling the park, they've  arrested hundreds of immigrants.

However, with the policy canceled, those who wanted to keep Shelby Park open to everyone have won.

Let me know what you think at nico@klaq.com

KEEP READING: Get answers to 51 of the most frequently asked weather questions...

More From 93.1 KISS FM