San Antonio
AI Assisted Icon
Published on November 09, 2024
Texas Intensifies Border Security, Governor Abbott Reports Over 48,500 Arrests Under Operation Lone StarSource: Office of the Texas Governor

Texas has increased its border security efforts under Governor Greg Abbott, with support from the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas National Guard. Since the launch of Operation Lone Star, more than half a million people have been apprehended for unauthorized immigration, and over 48,500 arrests have been made for various crimes, including felony charges, according to the Office of the Texas Governor.

The operation has led to the seizure of over 552 million lethal doses of fentanyl. Texas reports an 86% reduction in illegal border crossings since the mission began. Despite the increased security, the state has relocated many migrants to sanctuary cities across the country. Governor Abbott has been posting updates on social media platform X, mentioning the use of drone technology and collaboration with states like Louisiana in border security efforts, as reported by the Office of the Texas Governor.

A high-speed chase in Webb County led to the arrest of human smuggler Israel Perez from Laredo, who was charged with smuggling people and evading arrest. Six undocumented individuals from Mexico were also found. In Cameron County, the Texas Department of Public Safety arrested a person trying to smuggle 119 pounds of narcotics into Texas. Additionally, a Texas Department of Public Safety Brush Team arrested a smuggling guide linked to the Gulf Cartel, who now faces human smuggling charges. The Texas National Guard recently turned back 25 migrants trying to cross into Texas near Eagle Pass, as mentioned by the Office of the Texas Governor.

In preparation for potential mass migration events, Texas National Guard soldiers are undergoing extensive training. Captain Daniel Mannon from Task Force East emphasized the importance of these exercises, stating, “This type of exercise helps us stay sharp.” Mannon provided insights into the strategic military planning stating, “Each of [the primary staff officers and company commanders] is addressing their piece of the puzzle and moving their pieces around the chess board in order for the adjacent companies and the adjacent staffs to be able to visualize and understand how this operation would play out in a real-life scenario. It allows us to be better prepared and to be able to execute a response in a timely and efficient manner,” as stated by the Office of the Texas Governor.