High-speed chases as part of Gov. Greg Abbott's immigration enforcement strategy, Operation Lone Star, have led to an alarming spike in fatal crashes. The Texas border initiative, which began in March 2021, has seen a concerning rise in vehicular incidents, with at least 74 individuals killed and 189 injured in such pursuits, according to a report by the Houston Chronicles.
The analysis by The Hill outlines that Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers and local law enforcement have conducted a staggering 5,230 pursuits across the state, with a disproportionate number, 3,358, occurring in the counties participating in Operation Lone Star. The program's aggressive tactics have claimed the lives of not only the pursued but also innocent bystanders, such as a 7-year-old girl who was tragically struck down by a fleeing vehicle.
In defense of the policy, Abbott's office has pointed fingers at President Biden's border policies. Abbott's spokesperson, Renae Eze, told The Hill in an email, "President Biden’s reckless open border policies invite Mexican cartels to profit off the chaos through dangerous human trafficking and smuggling operations along the border that endanger innocent lives." Eze also highlighted Operation Lone Star's role in the apprehension of over 485,000 undocumented immigrants and seizure of massive quantities of fentanyl.
According to the Houston Chronicle, Texas DPS Director Steve McCraw has stated that troopers rely on their discretion during pursuits, expecting them to act in a "judicious manner."
Further emphasizing the risks involved, a September report from the Department of Justice and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommended restrictive policies for law enforcement agencies' chase procedures. They propose pursuing only when a violent crime is committed and there's an imminent threat of another, as reported by The Hill.
