Governor Greg Abbott of Texas, alongside the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Texas National Guard, is collaborating with federal officials to address border security concerns. This joint effort aims to curb the smuggling of drugs, weapons, and people into Texas while preventing transnational criminal activities.
Operation Lone Star has been a significant part of this initiative. Since its inception, it has resulted in over 531,600 illegal immigrant apprehensions and more than 51,300 criminal arrests. Additionally, law enforcement has seized over 626 million lethal doses of fentanyl as part of their efforts against the drug crisis.
"Texas serves as a model for border security," said Governor Abbott during a recent roundtable discussion in Eagle Pass. The meeting included Vice President JD Vance and other federal officials to discuss ongoing homeland and border security operations.
Earlier this week, Governor Abbott met with the Texas Border Sheriff’s Coalition in Austin to further discuss collaboration on these issues. He also shared images on social media showing Texas National Guard soldiers patrolling along the Rio Grande River.
In Cameron County, DPS troopers arrested two individuals after a high-speed pursuit involving smuggling activities. Meanwhile, another fugitive from Texas' 10 Most Wanted Criminal Illegal Immigrants List was apprehended in San Antonio by DPS Special Agents.
The use of technology plays a crucial role in these operations. Sgt. Guadalupe Casarez demonstrated how drones equipped with heat sensors are used to monitor smuggling activity along the southern border.
Additionally, training programs have been implemented for the Texas National Guard soldiers working alongside federal law enforcement agencies. Last month saw extensive training exercises conducted by Task Force East with DPS and Border Patrol agents.
Recently, 60 members of the Texas National Guard were deputized under Title 8 authority by U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector Chief Walter N. Slosar to support law enforcement operations along the southern border.
