Austin News

Gov. Greg Abbott, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Texas National Guard continue to work to secure the border, combat smuggling and prevent transnational crime. Operation Lone Star resulted in 401,900 illegal immigrant apprehensions, 32,400 criminal arrests and the seizing of 422 million fentanyl doses, according to a press release.

"Operation Lone Star continues to fill the dangerous gaps created by the Biden administration's refusal to secure the border," the press release stated.

Starting from August 2022, the State of Texas has transported more than 10,600 migrants to Washington, D.C., nearly 10,900 migrants to New York City and over 4,600 migrants to Chicago. These transportation methods encompass both air travel and bus transit, underscoring the nature of this cross-country relocation initiative.

On July 28, a 17-year-old human smuggler led Texas DPS troopers on a high-speed chase in Penitas, Hidalgo County, before being arrested and charged with evading arrest and human smuggling, according to the release. Two undocumented immigrants from Honduras were also captured and handed over to Border Patrol.

Earlier in June 2023, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt pledged to deploy Oklahoma National Guard troops to the southern border, responding to Abbott's call for support amid concerns over President Joe Biden's border security measures. Stitt emphasized the necessity of taking action to address federal shortcomings in border protection.

"Republican governors continue to step up to the plate when President Biden refuses to lead; and by deploying our brave National Guard Troops, we're sending a strong message that we remain dedicated to defending our borders and upholding law and order in our nation," Stitt said.