Austin News

Governor Greg Abbott, alongside the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Texas National Guard, continues to collaborate with the Trump Administration on border security efforts. The focus remains on stopping the smuggling of drugs, weapons, and people into Texas and preventing transnational criminal activity.

Since launching Operation Lone Star, over 531,300 illegal immigrant apprehensions have been made, with more than 50,800 criminal arrests resulting in over 43,500 felony charges. In response to the fentanyl crisis, law enforcement has seized over 624 million lethal doses of fentanyl during this mission.

The operation has reportedly decreased illegal crossings into Texas by over 90%. This reduction has affected migrant transportation to sanctuary cities: more than 12,500 migrants have been sent to Washington D.C., over 45,900 to New York City, more than 36,900 to Chicago, over 3,400 to Philadelphia, more than 19,200 to Denver, and over 1,500 to Los Angeles since respective start dates.

Operation Lone Star aims at addressing issues attributed to open border policies. Governor Abbott recently met with U.S. Border Czar Tom Homan in Washington D.C. regarding support for ongoing federal efforts. Last month he issued executive orders for state agencies' involvement in these initiatives and authorized military operations through a Memorandum of Understanding.

Governor Abbott shared images on social media from his meeting with the Texas Congressional Delegation in Washington D.C., discussing Operation Lone Star's success and continued cooperation with federal authorities.

In his State of the State Address earlier this month, Governor Abbott emphasized Operation Lone Star as a model for federal action against border challenges attributed to previous administrations.

Recent highlights include a DPS trooper seizing narcotics in Webb County during an operation stop; a boat used for smuggling immigrants across the Rio Grande River was seized by Task Force Eagle soldiers; a drone team deterring illegal crossings; and coordinated efforts between the Texas National Guard and U.S. Border Patrol agents.

Command Sergeant Major Dale Williams remarked on their mission: "Today's mission is to show the citizens of Texas and the United States a show of force based on the Governor's orders."

The Texas National Guard continues its commitment by providing personnel and resources for joint border security operations.