Austin News

Governor Greg Abbott has issued five Executive Orders aimed at enhancing cooperation between Texas state agencies and the Trump Administration on border and homeland security matters. The move is intended to bolster efforts to protect Americans, according to Governor Abbott.

"For the past four years, Texas has worked around-the-clock to defend our southern border while former President Joe Biden refused to protect our country from an invasion he allowed," said Governor Abbott. "Now, we have a Commander-in-Chief in the White House who will do what is necessary to protect Americans. Today, I issued five Executive Orders directing Texas state agencies to partner with the Trump Administration to enforce the rule of law and help secure the homeland. Just like President Donald Trump and his Administration, Texas will do what is necessary to keep our country safe."

The orders direct state agencies to support federal immigration officers in various capacities such as investigating, arresting, detaining, and deporting illegal immigrants within Texas. Additionally, they instruct the Texas Military Department to assist U.S. Northern Command in securing the southern border and addressing foreign threats infiltrating through Texas.

Other directives include assisting federal partners with deploying additional border barriers for improved operational security and sharing intelligence on foreign terrorist organizations with federal law enforcement for counter-terror operations.

Furthermore, Governor Abbott has instructed the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and the Texas Facilities Commission to identify land and facilities that can be leased or used by federal partners for detaining and deporting illegal immigrants.