The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a stern warning to Texas state officials, urging them to cease their obstruction of Border Patrol agents' access to a public park in Eagle Pass. The DHS has threatened legal action and deemed the state's seizure of the area as "clearly unconstitutional" in a recent letter.

This development follows a social media post by Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Tex.), whose jurisdiction extends from San Antonio to the U.S.-Mexico border. Cuellar revealed that the Texas Military Department and the Texas National Guard denied Border Patrol agents access to rescue six migrants, resulting in the drowning of three individuals.

Cuellar stated, "Border Patrol personnel were forced out of Shelby Park earlier this week by the Texas National Guard under order of Gov. Abbott. As a result, Border Patrol were unable to render aid to the migrants and attempt to save them. This is a tragedy and the state bears responsibility."

According to an article in the Houston Chronicle, DHS also issued a statement saying, "Tragically, a woman and two children drowned in the Shelby Park area of Eagle Pass, which was commandeered by the State of Texas earlier this week. The Texas governor’s policies are cruel, dangerous, and inhumane, and Texas’s blatant disregard for federal authority over immigration poses grave risks. The State of Texas should stop interfering with the U.S. Border Patrol’s enforcement of U.S. law."

In response to these allegations, Bill Melugin, a national correspondent for FOX News, shared a statement on social media from the Texas Military Department (TMD). TMD denied any knowledge or involvement in turning back distressed migrants or discovering bodies at Shelby Park or along the U.S border regarding this situation.

CBS News reported that Jonathan Meyer, DHS's top lawyer, has set January 17 as the deadline for Texas leaders to ensure full access for Border Patrol agents at Shelby Park.