White House Blames Texas for ‘Blocking’ Rescue of Drowning Immigrants, Texas Says Allegations ‘Wholly Inaccurate’

Texas authorities are refuting claims made by the White House blaming Gov. Greg Abbott’s policies for the recent death of three immigrants, adding to the tense legal battle between states and the federal government over the border. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the White House, on Jan. 12, a woman and two children drowned while trying to cross the Rio Grande River near the Shelby Park area of Eagle Pass, Texas. The DHS alleges that after receiving a distress call from the Mexican government, Border Patrol agents were “physically barred” by Texas National Guard soldiers from entering the park and saving the three people attempting to illegally cross into the United States outside a port of entry from drowning....