El Paso Standard

Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) led a letter to the Department of Justice (DOJ) asking for a comprehensive investigation into the shooting of a Mexican national by a Texas National Guard Servicemember along the border of El Paso and Ciudad Juarez. 

The letter, signed by 10 additional members of the Texas Democratic Delegation, comes amid Governor Greg Abbott’s continued undermining of federal immigration duties and inhumane treatment towards migrants and border community residents alike through Operation Lone Star. 

"Given Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s continued undermining of federal immigration responsibilities through OLS and tactics such as the buoy barrier system, an incident like the shooting on August 26 was inevitable," the lawmakers wrote. "While we are relieved that the incident did not end in any fatalities, we remain highly concerned that unless it is taken seriously and those responsible are held accountable, it is only a matter of time until the next such incident, or something far deadlier, occurs."

They continued, "National Guard Servicemembers do not have the authority or training to engage with asylum seekers or conduct any immigration-related duties, yet they have been explicitly ordered by Governor Abbott to prevent migrants from entering the United States, even if it means physically pushing migrants back into the Rio Grande to drown. Given these clear directives, upon which many OLS agents have already acted, we are concerned that reports indicating the Servicemember was acting to defend migrants from violence may not be comprehensive. As such, we also request this investigation examine what, if any, training, protocols, and policies have been put in place by Operation Lone Star to ensure U.S. law enforcement officers, both federal and state, and servicemembers are able to handle situations such as this involving individuals of different nationalities, including migrants and foreign law enforcement officers." 

"Since launching in March 2021, OLS has cost Texas taxpayers over $4.5 billion and endangered asylum seekers, children and families, United States National Guard Servicemembers, and federal law enforcement personnel. Operation Lone Star has been a disaster for Texas, our border, and for vulnerable migrants seeking a better life in the United States. Now, its uncoordinated and politically motivated actions on our southern border are endangering the U.S.’ international partnerships.”

“For these reasons, we urge the Department of Justice to act swiftly through joint efforts, sharing of information, and coordination with our Mexican counterparts to provide a comprehensive investigation that is fair and respectful of both nations’ interests," the lawmakers concluded.

The letter was signed by Reps. Jasmine Crockett, Colin Allred, Sylvia Garcia, Al Green, Marc Veasey, Greg Casar, Joaquin Castro, Lloyd Doggett, Sheila Jackson Lee, and Vicente Gonzalez.

Full text of the letter can be found here.

Original source can be found here.