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Governor Greg Abbott, alongside the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas National Guard, continues efforts to secure the border as part of Operation Lone Star. This initiative aims to stop drug, weapon, and human smuggling into Texas and address transnational criminal activities.
Since its inception, Operation Lone Star has resulted in over 526,600 apprehensions of illegal immigrants and more than 48,700 criminal arrests with over 41,900 felony charges. The operation has also seized over 553 million lethal doses of fentanyl. According to officials, this effort has decreased illegal crossings by more than 86%.
The state has transported thousands of migrants to various U.S. cities as part of its transportation program: over 12,500 to Washington D.C., more than 45,900 to New York City, approximately 36,900 to Chicago, about 3,400 to Philadelphia since November 2022; around 19,200 to Denver since May 2023; and over 1,500 to Los Angeles since June 2023.
Governor Abbott stated on social media that Texas' busing program made illegal immigration a national issue. He expressed continued commitment "to protect Texans and Americans."
In response to potential mass migration events, Governor Abbott shared images on social media showing Texas National Guard soldiers reinforcing border barriers.
A recent incident involved DPS troopers arresting a human smuggler after a pursuit in Hidalgo County. The suspect was identified as Miguel Angel Abasta Montalvo from Mexico.
Another event saw DPS troopers finding two illegal immigrants inside a gas tank during a vehicle stop in Webb County. The driver faced smuggling charges.
Operation Lone Star's drone teams have reportedly helped deter over 650 illegal crossings within one week by using advanced video technology.
Training exercises continue between the Texas National Guard and DPS troopers for mass migration scenarios. Additionally, anti-climb barriers are being installed in El Paso as part of ongoing security measures.
Sergeant Mark Lester Landicho highlighted the collaborative efforts required for barrier installation: "Whenever the engineering company is on the line putting up the fences [the security platoon's] main job is to protect the soldiers."