The State of Texas has ramped up its efforts to secure the southern border, working closely with the Trump administration as part of a broad crackdown on illegal immigration and criminal activities. The recent steps include deploying more troops, building additional barriers, and increasing spending on border security.
Key Actions Taken by Texas
1. Deployment of Additional Troops
- Governor Greg Abbott deployed an additional 400 Texas National Guard troops to the Rio Grande Valley.
- These troops will work alongside federal agents in coordinated operations to prevent illegal crossings and track down violent criminals.
2. Executive Orders on Border Barriers
Abbott issued executive orders directing state agencies to:
- Deploy additional barriers along key points of the border.
- Strengthen collaboration with federal agencies to detect and apprehend suspected terrorists and violent criminals.
Focus on Public Safety
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick emphasized that the state’s efforts are centered on protecting communities from violent crime.
“We’re determined to secure the border with President Trump,” Patrick said. “We’re determined to stop terrorists from coming into this country and apprehend those on the terrorist watch list that the Biden administration didn’t do.”
Patrick pointed to violent crimes committed by individuals who entered the country illegally, including cases like Laken Riley, who was killed, and Jocelyn Nungary, a 12-year-old victim of assault and murder.
“If a country doesn’t have a border, you don’t have a country,” Patrick said, dismissing protesters who oppose the state’s approach.
Opposition from Democrats
Not everyone supports the heightened security measures. Congressman Marc Veasey, D-Fort Worth, criticized the move, calling it fear-mongering.
“He’s trying to play a game and scare people,” Veasey said, referring to President Trump’s efforts. “Instead of playing these stupid, ignorant games, bring Democrats and Republicans together and come up with a real solution.”
Protests against Trump’s actions were held in Dallas and Fort Worth over the weekend. However, Lt. Gov. Patrick dismissed the demonstrators, questioning why they didn’t protest violent crimes allegedly committed by individuals who entered illegally.
$6.5 Billion Border Security Proposal
The Texas Legislature has proposed spending an additional $6.5 billion on border security for the next two-year budget period, which ends in August 2027.
The funds will be used to:
- Strengthen surveillance and patrol operations.
- Build more physical barriers along key border locations.
- Provide additional resources for law enforcement agencies to track and arrest criminals.
A Divisive Approach
Texas’ actions have drawn both support and criticism. Supporters see the measures as essential to protecting public safety, while critics argue that they fuel fear and division without addressing the root causes of migration.
As Texas continues its aggressive approach to border security, the debate over the effectiveness and consequences of such measures is far from over.
With the Trump administration’s backing, the state is expected to press forward with its policies, while opponents push for more comprehensive, bipartisan solutions.