More than a year after it was seized by the State of Texas under an emergency declaration, Shelby Park is once again open to the public.
Without formal announcement, Texas National Guard soldiers opened the park gates on or around April 3, 2025. Locals report that visitors can now access the ball fields, soccer fields, boat ramp, and parking areas, including the lot at Ryan and Rio Grande Streets.
The 47-acre city-owned park had been at the center of a legal and political standoff since January 2024, when it was closed off during a major escalation of Operation Lone Star. Despite state officials testifying in court filings that the park remained open, residents were routinely denied entry or threatened with arrest, even during peaceful demonstrations.
For months, the Texas Military Department maintained strict control over access, requiring event organizers to obtain permission and barring media from certain gatherings.
Now, more than a year after the takeover, the public is once again able to enter and enjoy Shelby Park. The return to access came with no official statement from the state, but for many in Eagle Pass, it’s a long-overdue restoration of a vital community space.
Texas Reporter 