https://thehill.com/changing-america...h-arrests-over
Texas official threatens SpaceX with arrests over control of public roads
Authorities in Texas have reportedly accused SpaceX staff of attempting to block access to public roads around its property in Boca Chica and allegedly impersonating a public official.
Cameron County District Attorney Luis Saenz wrote in a letter to SpaceX Senior Director of Starship Operations Shyamal Patel, obtained by KGRW reporter Ruth Mireles and picked up by
Business Insider, that when Saenz sent his staff to investigate, that the company “immediately approached, stopped and detained” them before turning them away.
The letter additionally noted the Cameron County authorities had not given the company permission to shut down any roads and that the county had previously warned of similar alleged acts in April.
Neither SpaceX nor Cameron County responded to a request for comment from Business Insider.
Saenz warned in the letter that impersonating a public official is a third-degree felony in Texas, adding that the “conduct is unacceptable” and that the company could be subject to prosecution if similar behavior in the future breaks Texas law.
“While SpaceX is a valued member of our community, this does not authorize SpaceX, its employees, staff, agents and/or contractors to disregard Texas law,” Saenz reportedly wrote.