The Associated Republicans of Texas (ART) praised Governor Greg Abbott and the GOP-majority Texas Legislature's efforts to secure the state's southern border with Mexico. According to ART, a package of bills signed by Abbott last month aims to protect Texans from illegal immigration, weapons, and deadly drugs.

A press release issued by the organization highlighted two pieces of legislation: Texas Senate Bills (SB) 1403 and 602.

According to the release, SB 1403 authorizes Texas to work with other states on securing the border, including sharing resources among themselves.

SB 602, the release said, gives border patrol agents the authority to handle arrests, searches, and seizures at the border for offenses classified as felonies under state law.

According to ART, Abbott said that lawmakers have stepped up to robustly respond to President Joe Biden's border security policies. The passage of these bills underscores the gravity of challenges faced at the southern border.

State representatives Ryan Guillen and Janie Lopez are looking to pass another border security bill, House Bill (HB) 2, which raises criminal penalties for individuals and entities involved in human smuggling and the operation of stash houses.

ART Political Director Logan Herrera praised the passage of SBs as signs of progress Texas is making to protect the border.