In a recent statement, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Texas National Guard reported continued collaboration with the former Trump Administration to combat transnational crime at the Texas border. Operation Lone Star, the initiative supporting this joint effort, has led to substantial law enforcement actions, including over half a million illegal immigrant apprehensions and tens of thousands of criminal arrests, according to Office of the Texas Governor.
As part of the ongoing border mission, officials have seized significant amounts of illicit substances, including a reported 637 million lethal doses of fentanyl. Governor Abbott has been vocal about his stance on border security, comparing the Trump Administration’s approach unfavorably against its successor, "President Trump promised he would secure the border, and in fact, he’s done that," Abbott told Fox News. He credits these efforts with the reported decrease in illegal crossings, according to Office of the Texas Governor.
In recent highlights from the initiative, notable apprehensions and arrests have taken place under Operation Lone Star's umbrella. Soldiers and law enforcement officers conducted operations such as mounted patrols and K-9 assisted searches, leading to multiple arrests of individuals and the discovery of narcotics, including 200 pounds of marijuana in one instance. These arrests have involved gang members and cartel affiliates in various counties along the Texas border. Further, the Border Patrol has deputized a group of Texas National Guard soldiers to augment their efforts, which according to 1st Lt. Kenneth Bermuda Cruz, enhances the morale and effectiveness of the operation.
Moreover, the multi-agency collaboration continues to target key areas previously under the influence of cartels, such as Fronton Island where Specialist Joshua Rendon highlighted the essential work being carried out, "I do believe I'm making a difference when I'm out there chasing traffic, deterring the enemy, ensuring that the public is safe," Rendon said, according to Office of the Texas Governor. The Governor's office has shown a firm commitment to strengthening border security, and these recent developments underscore their ongoing approach to this complex issue.
