Texas is intensifying its border security measures in response to potential mass migration. Governor Greg Abbott, along with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Texas National Guard, is continuing efforts to secure the state's borders, focusing on stopping drug, weapon, and human smuggling while targeting transnational criminal activities.
Since Operation Lone Star began, authorities have apprehended over 525,800 illegal immigrants and made more than 48,500 criminal arrests. This operation has resulted in over 41,800 felony charges. In addressing the fentanyl crisis, law enforcement has seized over 552 million lethal doses of fentanyl during this mission.
The state reports a decrease in illegal crossings by over 86%, attributing this to their border security initiatives. The reduction in crossings has also led to fewer migrants being transported to sanctuary cities.
Since initiating its transportation program, Texas has moved significant numbers of migrants to various cities: over 12,500 to Washington D.C., more than 45,900 to New York City, over 36,900 to Chicago, more than 3,400 to Philadelphia, over 19,200 to Denver since May 2023, and more than 1,500 to Los Angeles since June 2023.
Governor Abbott emphasized that "Operation Lone Star continues to fill the dangerous gaps created by the federal government’s refusal to secure the border." He stated that without these efforts "every individual who is apprehended or arrested and every ounce of drugs seized would have otherwise made their way into communities across Texas and the nation due to open border policies."
Recent developments under Operation Lone Star include:
- The use of drone technology for border security operations was highlighted by Governor Abbott. These drones assist law enforcement with thermal imaging and GPS capabilities.
- A crackdown on Tren de Aragua (TdA), a Venezuelan gang operating in Texas. Governor Abbott urged residents to report any information regarding TdA members through Texas Crime Stoppers hotline.
- Collaboration with Louisiana National Guard for installing razor wire barriers along the border was showcased by Governor Abbott as part of ongoing partnerships with other states.
- Continued construction of a border wall in Maverick County as part of strategies contributing to reduced illegal crossings.
Notable incidents include DPS troopers arresting a human smuggler after a high-speed chase in Webb County and seizing narcotics in Cameron County. Additionally, Texas National Guard soldiers turned back groups attempting illegal entry near Eagle Pass using deterrence strategies supported by drone surveillance.
In preparation for potential mass migration events along the Texas-Mexico border under Operation Lone Star, training exercises are being conducted by Texas National Guard soldiers alongside state and local law enforcement agencies. Captain Daniel Mannon noted that such exercises help identify strengths or weaknesses for responding effectively: “This type of exercise helps us stay sharp,” he said.
