Governor Greg Abbott has doubled down on Texas's commitment to securing its border, unveiling new support measures for Texas National Guard soldiers deployed through Operation Lone Star. This multi-agency initiative, aimed at combating illicit border activities, has reportedly led to over 500,000 apprehensions of illegal immigrants and more than 39,500 criminal arrests, as stated by the governor's office.
In the ongoing battle against the fentanyl crisis, Texas authorities have seized upwards of 467 million lethal doses. Trying to reduce their numbers, the state has transported significant numbers of migrants to major cities across the United States, totaling tens of thousands since the program's inception. The operation vows to plug the holes left by what Abbott describes as President Joe Biden's "open border policies," according to a statement from the Governor’s office.
#OperationLoneStar continues to boost support for @TxMilitary soldiers deployed along our southern border.
— Gov. Greg Abbott (@GovAbbott) February 17, 2024
Texas will deploy every tool and strategy available to protect our communities until President Biden does his job to secure the border.
More ⬇️https://t.co/vBzR6hjaq4
In recent developments, Governor Abbott announced the establishment of a Forward Operating Base in the Del Rio sector, focusing on improving conditions for the National Guard. "This base camp is going to dramatically improve conditions for our soldiers," said Governor Abbott during a press conference in Eagle Pass. Reflecting the state's efforts to respond to what they call President Biden's border crisis, the base aims to streamline operations and enhance the living and working conditions for the soldiers stationed there.
Among the migrants transported, Texas has sent over 12,500 to Washington, D.C., and over 37,900 to New York City since their respective program start dates. With the numbers climbing, Texas also extended its reach to Chicago, Philadelphia, Denver, and Los Angeles, attempting to alleviate the influx pressure within its borders. The National Guard, the Governor affirms, has been instrumental in ensuring that these individuals and seized drugs did not end up in communities across both Texas and the rest of the nation.
