(TheDailyHorn.com) – Texas isn’t messing around when it comes to its southern border. On Tuesday, August 24, Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott put the federal government and illegal immigrants on notice. The governor authorized the National Guard to work alongside state police troopers to stem the flow of illegal immigration.
If someone crosses the American/Mexican border in Texas in violation of state law, they will face an invigorated Texas law enforcement presence. The news comes as Texas residents learn that only 12 Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agents patrol a 240-mile section of the border.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the governor said state police need help arresting those who break state law. As a result of a massive incursion across the Texas border, the governor ordered the National Guard to assist Texas law enforcement and arrest “lawbreakers.”
Why is the National Guard Needed in Texas?
Due to the “unprecedented refusal of the federal government to fulfill its obligations under federal law,” Abbott said the National Guard’s presence is necessary. In March 2021, the governor launched Operation Lone Star. Since then, state law enforcement has arrested over 4,600 illegal immigrants. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) says it primarily arrested illegals for criminal mischief and trespass.
While the federal government turned its back on immigration controls, Abbott credited the operation with confiscating drugs and weapons. So far, law enforcement has confiscated 700 pounds of cocaine, 127 pounds of fentanyl, over 8,500 pounds of marijuana, and 270 guns.
Border Security Funding
Gov. Abbott stated that in July, 212,000 illegal immigrants crossed Texas’ southern border. That’s the largest number of people to do so since 2000. To keep up with the financial challenges of illegal immigration, the governor asked the legislature to make border security funding a priority during its current special session.
On Saturday, Abbott spoke with border sheriffs and county judges over the phone. He encouraged them to share their views and experiences with the House Appropriations Committee during an upcoming hearing on the need for border funding.
Could the Supreme Court Ruling Impact Texas?
On Tuesday evening, the US Supreme Court agreed with a lower court decision forcing the DHS to reinstitute the “Remain in Mexico” policy. Last week, a federal district judge ruled that President Biden and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) wrongly terminated the program, which keeps illegal immigrants in Mexico until they receive a hearing before a US judge.
The DHS said it would enforce the ruling, but also fight it vigorously on appeal. Nonetheless, the order could reduce some incursions into Texas. In any case, Abbott isn’t waiting on the federal government; he’s moving forward anyway.
Could you blame the governor for not trusting the Biden administration?
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