Austin News

Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Texas National Guard are intensifying efforts to enhance border security in El Paso. The collaborative work aims to curb illegal activities like drug and human smuggling across the Texas border.

Since the launch of Operation Lone Star, the DPS reported over 506,500 illegal immigrant apprehensions and more than 41,200 criminal arrests, with over 36,700 felony charges. In a significant move against the fentanyl crisis, Texas law enforcement seized over 471 million lethal doses of fentanyl during border operations.

Governor Abbott recently met with U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson to advocate for border security legislation and hold President Biden accountable for his policies. Furthermore, he announced the arrival of nearly 200 soldiers from the Texas Tactical Border Force in El Paso to reinforce border security efforts.

In a public statement, Governor Abbott highlighted the success of Operation Lone Star in reducing illegal crossings in Texas, contrasting the situation with neighboring states like New Mexico and California experiencing increased illegal immigration.

DPS Lieutenant Chris Olivarez defended Texas' right to secure the border, emphasizing the state's consistent efforts in addressing illegal activities. Recent incidents, including the arrest of illegal immigrants for criminal trespass and high-speed pursuits resulting in arrests for smuggling, underscore the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement at the border.

The Texas National Guard also deployed approximately 200 soldiers to support existing ground forces in El Paso, reinforcing border barriers and intensifying efforts to deter illegal crossings.