On Tuesday, Governor Greg Abbott highlighted the ongoing efforts of Operation Lone Star to crack down on illegal immigration in a recent post on X. According to a press release issued by the Governor's Office, the operation led to 118 arrests during a specific law enforcement drive at Colony Ridge.
Working in collaboration with the Trump Administration, the Governor emphasized the significance of this operation and the overall impact of Operation Lone Star on border security. Since its inception, the initiative has resulted in over 531,500 apprehensions and more than 51,000 criminal arrests, racking up more than 43,700 felony charges. These numbers, as Governor Abbott points out, include a staggering seizure of over 625 million lethal doses of fentanyl by Texas law enforcement.
During a ride-along with NBC 5's Scott Friedman, DPS troopers shed light on the subduing effects of Operation Lone Star border policies on illegal crossings, citing a decline in attempts due to increased smuggling costs imposed by cartels. Lieutenant Chris Olivarez explained to Friedman, as per the Governor's Office press release, that cartels have raised their prices significantly, which has contributed to a reduction in the number of individuals trying to cross the border illegally.
Besides arrests of illegal immigrants, DPS also recently seized a significant amount of contraband. A traffic stop in Webb County led to the confiscation of 198 pounds of marijuana, hidden in the vehicle's rear seats, with an estimated street value of $60,000. The driver, identified as Leroy Castillo, age 21, from Laredo, was charged with felony possession of marijuana. "DPS' Criminal Investigations Division is further investigating this case", the Governor's Office press release stated.
Also noteworthy was the arrest of two criminal illegal immigrants in Hidalgo County, including Hugo Alberto Lopez Herrera, a deported felon with a history of illegal entry and drug-related offenses, who resisted arrest by attempting to run inside a residence. Alongside Lopez Herrera, Hugo Alberto Lopez Piedra was arrested after grabbing one of the Special Agents to interfere with the apprehension, also resisting arrest himself.
Increased technology and collaboration also play a role in border security operations—recently, a Texas National Guard drone team, equipped to enhance observation and reporting missions, facilitated the arrest of two individuals attempting to breach the border barrier. The team observed criminal activity and summoned Border Patrol ground units and Texas National Guard patrols to the scene, resulting in a swift apprehension of the suspects.
In an ongoing effort to bolster border security, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection has trained over 300 Texas National Guard soldiers, expanding their operational scope. Sergeant 1st Class Alfredo Moreno expressed confidence in the impact of this collaboration, saying, "I believe that we have made an impact not only for the safety of Texas but the entire United States," according to the Governor's Office. Moreno noted that the soldiers' expanded capabilities now include the authority to assist in arresting, detaining, and even interrogating illegal immigrants under Title 8 authority.
