Texas Governor Greg Abbott, in partnership with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Texas National Guard, has announced the use of advanced drone technology as part of Operation Lone Star, an initiative geared towards strengthening border security. The collaboration has resulted in over 518,300 apprehensions of illegal immigrants and more than 46,000 criminal arrests. This includes a staggering 521 million lethal doses of fentanyl seized, with the goal to staunch the flow of drugs and illegal activities between ports of entry. Details of this operation were shared in a recent press release from the governor's office.
According to the same press release, Texas has seen an 85% decrease in illegal crossings into the state thanks to their security mission. The reduction has subsequently led to fewer migrants needing to be transported to sanctuary cities across the United States. As part of the state's transportation program, Texas has transported significant numbers of migrants to various cities including over 12,500 to Washington, D.C. and over 45,900 to New York City. Governor Abbott expressed his determination to not only maintain but also to increase border security efforts, wanting potential immigrants to know they are "not allowed to cross illegally in the state of Texas."
During an interview on NewsNation, as stated in the press release, Governor Abbott discussed Texas' comprehensive border security measures and his commitment to protect Texans and Americans from the perceived threats posed by illegal immigration. In keeping with his administration's stance, the Governor has been vocal on social media platforms about recent apprehensions, including the arrest of a dangerous immigrant who made Texas' 10 Most Wanted Criminal Illegal Immigrants List.
Operation Lone Star's strategy includes employing a variety of technologies such as drones, which are used day and night to assist in apprehensions and to secure the border. Staff Sergeant Daniel Moya-Rivera, stationed in El Paso, underlined the drones' capabilities, stating, "Well at night there are thermal night vision features, modes to [the drone], that can help us identify if it sees anything moving," as noted in the governor's press release. With aids like GPS and thermal imaging, law enforcement officers were able to locate and arrest seven illegal immigrants in Terrell County, who had crossed Highway 90.
The multi-faceted efforts of Texas National Guard soldiers and law enforcement to combat illegal crossings and other criminal activities are ongoing. The press release mentioned that Task Force West, equipped with K-9s, boats, and helicopters, continues to assist in the detention and arrest of individuals who have illegally entered Texas. Texas remains steadfast in using every possible tool to respond to what the Governor calls the Biden-Harris border crisis.
