Austin News

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has renewed a disaster proclamation initially issued in May 2021 concerning border security. This renewal, announced on March 23, 2025, is due to ongoing concerns about individuals unlawfully crossing the Texas-Mexico border. The proclamation cites Section 418.014 of the Texas Government Code as its legal basis.

Governor Abbott stated that "the surge of individuals unlawfully crossing the Texas—Mexico border posed an ongoing and imminent threat of disaster for a number of Texas counties and for all state agencies affected by this disaster." The governor has made amendments to the original proclamation over time to adjust the list of counties impacted by these conditions.

The renewed proclamation declares a disaster for numerous counties across Texas, including Aransas, Atascosa, Bee, Brewster, Brooks, Caldwell, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Coleman, Colorado, Crane, Crockett, Culberson, DeWitt, Dimmit, Duval, Edwards, El Paso, Frio, Galveston, Goliad, Gonzales, Hidalgo, Hudspeth and others. It also extends to all state agencies affected by the situation.

All orders and authorizations from the initial May 31st proclamation remain effective under this renewal. Governor Abbott's office confirmed that statutory requirements have been met with copies filed with relevant authorities.

This announcement was officially signed by Governor Abbott and attested by Secretary of State Jane Nelson in Austin.