Austin News

Governor Greg Abbott has renewed the border security disaster declaration in Texas. The proclamation, issued on January 18, 2024, certifies that the surge of individuals unlawfully crossing the Texas-Mexico border poses an ongoing and imminent threat of disaster for a number of Texas counties and state agencies affected by this disaster.

The original disaster proclamation was issued on May 31, 2021, and has since been amended multiple times to modify the list of affected counties. In the latest renewal, Governor Abbott declared a disaster for a total of 67 counties, including Bee, Brewster, Brooks, Caldwell, Cameron, Chambers, and many others.

The certified conditions continue to exist and pose an ongoing and imminent threat of disaster as stated in the prior proclamations. All orders, directions, suspensions, and authorizations provided in the previous proclamations remain in full force and effect.

Governor Abbott's decision to renew the border security disaster declaration comes amid ongoing concerns about the influx of individuals unlawfully crossing the border. The declaration allows for the allocation of resources and assistance to the affected counties and state agencies.

The proclamation will be filed with the applicable authorities in accordance with statutory requirements. Governor Abbott's signature and the Seal of State have been affixed to the proclamation, signifying its official status.

For more information, the full text of the proclamation can be viewed on the Governor's website.

Governor Abbott's office can be contacted at the following address:

Office of the Texas Governor

P.O. Box 12428

Austin, Texas 78711

Phone: (512) 463-2000

The renewal of the border security disaster declaration reaffirms Governor Abbott's commitment to addressing the ongoing challenges at the Texas-Mexico border and ensuring the safety and security of the state and its residents.