Texas steps up efforts against illegal immigration with new arrests and security measures

Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Texas National Guard are working to secure the border, aiming to stop drug, weapon, and human smuggling into Texas. The effort also seeks to prevent transnational criminal activity between ports of entry.

Since Operation Lone Star began, it has resulted in over 521,100 illegal immigrant apprehensions and more than 47,400 criminal arrests with over 41,000 felony charges. In response to the fentanyl crisis, law enforcement in Texas has seized more than 544 million lethal doses of fentanyl.

The state reports a decrease in illegal crossings by over 86% due to its border security mission. This reduction means fewer migrants are being transported to sanctuary cities. Since the transportation program's inception:

- Over 12,500 migrants have been sent to Washington D.C.

- Over 45,900 to New York City

- Over 36,900 to Chicago

- Over 3,400 to Philadelphia

- Over 19,200 to Denver

- Over 1,500 to Los Angeles

Operation Lone Star aims to address what it describes as gaps left by federal policies on border security. Governor Abbott recently criticized federal efforts during an appearance on Fox News' Sean Hannity show: “I think that [60 Minutes] interview is disqualifying,” he said regarding Vice President Kamala Harris’ comments on CBS about immigration policy.

In recent developments under Operation Lone Star:

Governor Abbott announced on X (formerly Twitter) that a member of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua was arrested in Houston. He emphasized ongoing efforts against gang members who pose public safety threats.

Abbott also shared images showing reinforcement of triple-strand razor wire along the Texas-Mexico border and highlighted ongoing construction of a border wall in Maverick County.

Additionally this week in Hidalgo County, DPS Aircraft Operations observed a Dodge Charger involved in human smuggling at a truck stop. After evading arrest initially, Juan Xavier Rodriguez was detained for smuggling persons and had an active federal warrant for alien smuggling.

A drone team from the Texas National Guard assisted law enforcement last week in seizing over 45 pounds of narcotics after spotting suspected illegal immigrants during operations near brush areas.

The use of high-tech systems like Mobile Modular Sensor Suite (M2S2) and drones continues along the southern border for enhanced surveillance and tracking capabilities.