Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Texas National Guard are collaborating to enhance border security, focusing on stopping drug, weapon, and human smuggling into Texas. This effort aims to prevent transnational criminal activities between ports of entry.
Since Operation Lone Star began, it has resulted in over 521,100 illegal immigrant apprehensions and more than 47,400 criminal arrests. Among these arrests, over 41,000 were felony charges. In addressing the fentanyl crisis, Texas law enforcement has seized more than 544 million lethal doses of fentanyl during this operation.
Texas claims a reduction in illegal crossings by over 86% due to their border security efforts. This decrease has affected the number of migrants transported to sanctuary cities since the state began its transportation program:
- Over 12,500 migrants to Washington D.C. since April 2022
- Over 45,900 migrants to New York City since August 2022
- Over 36,900 migrants to Chicago since August 2022
- Over 3,400 migrants to Philadelphia since November 2022
- Over 19,200 migrants to Denver since May 2023
- Over 1,500 migrants to Los Angeles since June 2023
Governor Abbott criticized the federal government for its approach to border security during an appearance on Fox News with Sean Hannity. He stated: “I think that [60 Minutes] interview is disqualifying,” referring to Vice President Kamala Harris’ comments on CBS's "60 Minutes". He claimed that “what [the federal government] did was to gut all the policies that President Trump put into place that secured the border."
Recently in Houston, a member of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua was arrested. Governor Abbott shared this news on social media and emphasized ongoing efforts against gang members involved in criminal activities.
The Governor also announced a reward for information leading to the arrest of known or suspected members of Tren de Aragua.
In other developments along the Texas-Mexico border:
- The reinforcement of triple-strand razor wire continues.
- Border wall construction is ongoing in Maverick County.
In Hidalgo County this week, DPS pilots observed a Dodge Charger involved in human smuggling. After a pursuit and immobilization techniques by law enforcement officers, Juan Xavier Rodriguez was arrested for smuggling persons and evading arrest.
Additionally, a Texas National Guard drone team assisted in seizing over 45 pounds of narcotics last week by spotting suspected illegal immigrants.
The Texas National Guard continues using high-tech systems like Mobile Modular Sensor Suite (M2S2) and drones along the southern border for enhanced visuals and tracking capabilities.
