Austin News

Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Texas National Guard are collaborating with the Trump Administration to secure the Texas border. Their efforts are focused on stopping the smuggling of drugs, weapons, and people, as well as reducing transnational criminal activity.

Operation Lone Star, a multi-agency initiative, has resulted in the apprehension of over 531,700 illegal immigrants and more than 51,800 criminal arrests; over 44,100 of these arrests involve felony charges. In tackling the fentanyl crisis, Texas law enforcement has seized over 637 million lethal doses of fentanyl. Governor Abbott stated: “Operation Lone Star continues working to undo the damage done by the Biden Administration."

Governor Abbott joined Sean Hannity on Fox News to discuss border security efforts, emphasizing a notable reduction in illegal crossings since President Trump took office. “President Trump promised he would secure the border, and in fact, he’s done that,” Abbott said.

Governor Abbott also shared images of Texas National Guard soldiers patrolling the Rio Grande. He credited the Trump Administration’s policies for the reduction in border crossings.

The DPS Border Mounted Patrol Unit and DPS K-9s have been involved in recent apprehensions in Dimmit and Webb Counties, working with Border Patrol to detain 16 illegal immigrants. These individuals have been referred to Border Patrol for processing.

In Cameron County, a DPS trooper seized 200 pounds of marijuana from Michael Anthony Montoya, Jr., a confirmed Valluco gang member. Montoya faces charges of evading arrest and felony possession of marijuana.

A DPS operation in Hidalgo County resulted in the arrest of a 16-year-old Gulf Cartel guide. The juvenile was charged with smuggling and has a prior history of such activities. He admitted to receiving payment for guiding illegal immigrants across the border.

Jeremy Duane Ervin was arrested for smuggling three illegal immigrants in Maverick County. Ervin, who facilitated the entry of illegal immigrants from El Salvador and Mexico, faces charges of smuggling persons.

The Border Patrol has deputized 55 Texas National Guard soldiers, enhancing their role in border security operations. 1st Lt. Kenneth Bermuda Cruz stated: “This opportunity enables us to fulfill our responsibilities as intended and carry out the Governor’s directive with greater efficiency.”

Texas National Guard soldiers continue to oversee the security of Fronton Island. Spc. Joshua Rendon remarked on the significance of their role: "I do believe I'm making a difference." Two years ago, Governor Abbott announced the operational control of Fronton Island to mitigate cartel activities.