Austin News

Governor Greg Abbott has renewed the border disaster declaration for several Texas counties, citing the ongoing threat posed by the surge of individuals unlawfully crossing the Texas-Mexico border. The declaration, originally issued on May 31, 2021, certifies that this situation constitutes a disaster under Section 418.014 of the Texas Government Code.

In a proclamation issued on November 20, 2023, Governor Abbott states, "the surge of individuals unlawfully crossing the Texas-Mexico border posed an ongoing and imminent threat of disaster for a number of Texas counties and for all state agencies affected by this disaster." The governor had previously amended the proclamation to include additional affected counties.

The renewed disaster declaration applies to a total of 69 counties, including Bee, Brewster, Brooks, Caldwell, Cameron, Chambers, Colorado, Crane, Crockett, Culberson, DeWitt, Dimmit, Duval, Edwards, El Paso, Frio, Galveston, Goliad, Gonzales, Hidalgo, Hudspeth, Jackson, Jeff Davis, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Kenedy, Kerr, Kimble, Kinney, Kleberg, La Salle, Lavaca, Live Oak, Mason, Maverick, McCulloch, McMullen, Medina, Menard, Midland, Pecos, Presidio, Real, Refugio, San Patricio, Schleicher, Sutton, Terrell, Throckmorton, Uvalde, Val Verde, Victoria, Webb, Wharton, Wilbarger, Wilson, Zapata, and Zavala Counties.

According to the proclamation, all orders, directions, suspensions, and authorizations provided in the original proclamation and subsequent amendments remain in full force and effect. The governor emphasizes that the certified conditions continue to exist and pose an ongoing and imminent threat of disaster.

The renewed disaster declaration comes as Texas continues to grapple with the challenges presented by the influx of individuals crossing the border unlawfully. The governor's office has been working closely with state agencies and local authorities to address the situation and ensure the safety and security of the affected communities.

Governor Abbott's decision to renew the disaster declaration underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for continued support and resources to effectively address the border crisis. The governor remains committed to protecting the state and its citizens from the ongoing threat posed by the surge in unlawful border crossings.

The proclamation has been filed with the applicable authorities as required by law. Governor Abbott's signature and the official Seal of State affirm the importance and urgency of this declaration.

For more information and to view the full proclamation, visit the Governor's website.

Click this link to access more information: https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-renews-border-disaster-declaration-in-october-2023