In a recent development, Texas officials have stood firm against an order from the Biden administration, denying American border patrol agents access to a portion of the US-Mexico border currently under the state's control. The dispute centers around Shelby Park, a public park in Eagle Pass, Texas, which has become a hotspot for undocumented immigrants crossing into the US.

According to NBC News, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton rejected a request from Biden's homeland security department to relinquish control of Shelby Park. Paxton defended Texas's actions, citing President Biden's "open-border policies" as necessary grounds for the state's strategies.

Paxton stated in response, "Because the facts and law side with Texas, the state will continue utilizing its constitutional authority to defend her territory, and I will continue defending those lawful efforts in court."

The conflict between the White House and Texas escalated last week when Governor Greg Abbott ordered the construction of a fence around Shelby Park and declared that border agents would no longer have access to the property.

Tragically, on the same day, a mother and her two young children drowned in the Rio Grande near the park. US border patrol agents claimed they were "physically barred" by state officials from entering the park to rescue the family. However, Texas officials have denied these allegations, stating that the bodies were already being recovered by Mexican authorities when border agents sought access.

This ongoing political standoff at the border coincides with President Biden's meeting with Senate and House leaders from both parties to discuss a potential bipartisan immigration bill. The administration hopes to secure military aid for Ukraine through a negotiated deal.

Senate Republicans have conveyed their caution to House lawmakers, emphasizing that the current negotiated deal would be the best version, even if former President Donald Trump were to secure a second term, as reported by NBC. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham warned, "To those who think that if President Trump wins, which I hope he does, that we can get a better deal - you won't."

While Senate leaders express optimism about the immigration bill, House Speaker Mike Johnson has yet to commit to bringing the deal to the House floor, according to CNN. Johnson stated that he is hopeful for a meaningful proposal but added that "the devil is in the details."

The negotiated bill has also faced opposition from progressive lawmakers who threaten to reject it, particularly due to conservative concessions, such as limiting the ability for arriving migrants to seek asylum, as reported by Politico.

As the political and legal battles persist, the situation at the US-Mexico border remains complex and uncertain. The outcome of this standoff between Texas officials and the Biden administration could have significant implications for immigration policies and border control in the coming weeks.