Austin News

Governor Greg Abbott, in collaboration with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Texas National Guard, continues efforts to secure the border. This initiative is part of Operation Lone Star, a multi-agency effort that has resulted in over 531,500 illegal immigrant apprehensions and more than 51,000 criminal arrests. Additionally, law enforcement has seized over 625 million lethal doses of fentanyl.

Operation Lone Star aims to address issues arising from current federal border policies. Governor Abbott stated that every individual apprehended or arrested under this operation would have otherwise entered communities across Texas and the nation.

Recent activities include an operation at Colony Ridge where DPS troopers assisted Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Homeland Security Investigations in making 118 arrests. Governor Abbott expressed ongoing cooperation with federal authorities for homeland security operations.

Governor Abbott also shared images of DPS troopers and Texas National Guard soldiers patrolling alongside Border Patrol agents, emphasizing their role in securing the border.

In McAllen, Lieutenant Chris Olivarez took NBC 5's Scott Friedman on a ride-along to showcase decreased illegal crossings due to increased security measures. A detained immigrant mentioned that cartels have raised smuggling fees due to fewer people attempting illegal entry.

In Uvalde County, DPS K-9 Bona located four immigrants hiding in brush areas. In Webb County, DPS seized $60,000 worth of marijuana during a traffic stop resulting in an arrest for felony possession.

Further actions include the arrest of two criminal immigrants after discharging firearms in Mission. Hugo Alberto Lopez Herrera attempted to evade arrest while Hugo Alberto Lopez Piedra interfered with law enforcement efforts.

A drone team from the Texas National Guard helped intercept two immigrants trying to breach a border barrier along the Rio Grande River. The technology used by the guard serves as a crucial tool for preventing illegal crossings.

Additionally, over 300 Texas National Guard soldiers completed specialized training with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP), enhancing their ability to support law enforcement operations along the southern border under Title 8 authority. Sergeant 1st Class Alfredo Moreno highlighted their expanded capabilities in assisting Border Patrol efforts.