Former President Donald J. Trump swung by the Lone Star State on Thursday and got a firsthand look at Texas' efforts to lock down its border in a meeting with Governor Greg Abbott. At the heart of Eagle Pass, the two witnessed the tight security measures Texas had taken in the absence of federal action. Abbott pulled no punches and directed his criticism squarely at President Joe Biden for what he called "open border policies."
"The United States of America is dealing with more deadly consequences than we have in our entire lifetime because of President Biden’s open border policies," Abbott said. Trump praised Texas for being "very secure," contrasting it sharply with neighboring states. With Arizona and California's Governors being put on blast by Trump for their passive stance, he commended Abbott for stepping up security, according to a Texas government press release.
The briefing was more than just a grip and grin session. Led by key state officials, Trump digested updates on Operation Lone Star, Texas' multi-pronged approach to stemming illegal crossings and drug trafficking. Seeing Texas' security operations, the visit gave Trump an up-close look at the situation, which has been a consistent focal point since his presidency.
The initiative appears to be paying off, with DPS Deputy Director Freeman Martin revealing an impressive cache of intercepted contraband: Texas law enforcement has seized over 468 million lethal doses of fentanyl, which they say could kill all Americans, Governor Abbott's office reported. Trump got the full tour of Shelby Park, a strategic frontline in the Texas National Guard's efforts to drive down illegal border crossings documented by Governor Abbott's office.
Abbott's not stopping at briefings and tours. He's doubling down, announcing the construction of a Forward Operating Base to bolster the National Guard's presence in the Del Rio sector—a direct response to what he labels President Biden's "border crisis." By housing more soldiers on the ground, Abbott is making it clear he's committed to maintaining an ironclad Texas border.
