On a mission to curtail illegal activities and secure the border, Texas authorities, collaborating with federal agencies, have engaged in a widespread operation that's led to multiple arrests and seizures of narcotics. According to Governor Greg Abbott's office, the initiative dubbed Operation Lone Star has been instrumental in apprehending over 532,800 people suspected of immigration violations and conducting more than 52,900 criminal arrests, resulting in over 44,800 felony charges since its inception.
Within the scope of this operation, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers apprehended a wanted Mexican Mafia gang member, identified as John Henry Romero, following a high-speed chase. Found with Romero were four individuals from Mexico, one of whom was a minor. Charged with various smuggling and evasive offenses, Romero's arrest is part of the ongoing effort to counteract what are described as "open border policies" that purportedly let criminals and illegal drugs infiltrate communities across the state.
Earlier this month, DPS agents also captured Carlos Venegas Ortiz, a man listed on Texas’ 10 Most Wanted Criminal Illegal Immigrants list. According to a statement from Governor Abbott's office, Ortiz was wanted in Tarrant County for continuous sexual abuse of a child and was apprehended in Haltom City. The capture involved cooperation from various law enforcement bodies, including local police and the U.S. Marshals North Texas Fugitive Task Force.
Adding to the list of achievements, DPS K-9 units have been particularly effective in these operations. Among the canine heroes, a K-9 named Bona and her handler played a key role in tracking down groups of people suspected of illegal crossing attempts through harsh terrain in Maverick, Dimmit, and Webb counties. In one instance recounted by the Governor's office, over nearly two miles in Webb County, K-9 Bona successfully led to the apprehension of a group of individuals, further emphasizing the operation’s impact.
On the narcotics front, DPS Special Agents seized three bundles of drugs, including fentanyl pills and methamphetamine, on April 13. Their efforts at the Paso Del Norte Port of Entry in El Paso prevented the drugs from reaching the community and resulted in the arrest of one individual on charges related to controlled substances.
As part of the support system for Border Patrol agents, Texas National Guard soldiers have been actively participating in ride-alongs and trainings aimed at honing their response capabilities. In a push for reassurance and preparedness, these soldiers, like Private First Class Jacob Carruth, are dedicated to training rigorously. "I train every day regardless of the best warrior competition to be as lethal as I can in combat," Carruth's commitment was highlighted in a recent Office of the Texas Governor statement.
