In a decisive move to address escalating concerns over illegal immigration and border security, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has deployed the Texas Military Department to assist the U.S. Border Patrol. The announcement signals Abbott’s continued commitment to protecting Texas communities amidst what many conservatives describe as federal inaction under the Biden administration.
The deployment includes hundreds of Texas National Guard troops stationed along critical points of the U.S.-Mexico border. This operation, known as Operation Lone Star, reinforces state efforts to stem the tide of illegal crossings and the flow of drugs, human trafficking, and cartel activity into the United States.
Give Me Five Podcast
State Action Amid Federal Neglect
Governor Abbott’s decision reflects mounting frustration among Republican governors regarding what they view as the Biden administration’s failure to enforce border security. Abbott emphasized the need for state-level intervention, stating, “Texas is stepping up to address this crisis because President Biden has abandoned his constitutional duty to secure the border.”
The Department of Homeland Security has reported a record-breaking number of encounters at the southern border in recent months, exacerbating an already precarious situation. Despite these alarming figures, federal policies, including the termination of the Trump-era “Remain in Mexico” policy, have been widely criticized for incentivizing illegal migration.
Strong Measures to Combat Cartels
Under Operation Lone Star, the Texas Military Department will work alongside state troopers and Border Patrol agents to deter illegal crossings and disrupt cartel operations. Abbott has repeatedly drawn attention to the role of Mexican drug cartels in trafficking deadly substances like fentanyl into the U.S. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, law enforcement seized over 380 million lethal doses of fentanyl in Texas during 2023 alone.
The governor’s deployment of the Texas National Guard includes the establishment of vehicle checkpoints, razor wire barriers, and aerial surveillance. In December, Abbott also deployed specialized military units to safeguard high-traffic areas, including Eagle Pass and Del Rio.
“These are not just migrants looking for a better life; the border is now a pipeline for deadly drugs and human trafficking,” Abbott said during a press conference. “We are acting decisively because the federal government has refused to act.”
Local Communities Applaud Abbott’s Leadership
Texas residents in border towns have expressed relief over Abbott’s latest actions. Many have borne the brunt of unchecked migration, with local resources stretched thin and public safety becoming a growing concern. Ranchers near the border have frequently reported damaged property, stolen vehicles, and encounters with heavily armed smugglers.
Carlos Montero, a rancher from Eagle Pass, praised Abbott’s leadership, stating, “It’s about time someone stepped in to help us. The federal government talks a big game, but nothing changes. Governor Abbott is doing what needs to be done.”
Critics of the Biden administration have echoed these sentiments, calling for stricter enforcement and the reinstatement of successful Trump-era policies. Meanwhile, Democrats and progressive activists have criticized Abbott’s deployment as unnecessary militarization, a perspective that resonates poorly with conservative audiences who view border security as a national priority.
Conservative Leaders Call for Broader Action
Conservative commentators have pointed to Abbott’s actions as a model for other border states. Republican governors in Arizona and Florida have also pledged to bolster their states’ border security measures, citing concerns about the flow of fentanyl and the exploitation of asylum laws.
In addition to deploying troops, Abbott has championed legal challenges against the Biden administration’s immigration policies. The state has filed multiple lawsuits, including efforts to reinstate the construction of the border wall. Abbott has argued that such measures are essential to safeguarding both Texas and the nation as a whole.
A Clear Choice for Voters
Abbott’s proactive approach highlights the stark differences between state-level leadership in Texas and federal policy under Biden. For conservatives, this serves as a reminder of the importance of electing leaders who prioritize the safety and sovereignty of American citizens. Abbott’s actions reinforce a larger narrative that the federal government’s failure to secure the border leaves states with no choice but to step in.
As the situation at the southern border grows more dire, many conservatives argue that it is imperative to continue supporting efforts like Operation Lone Star. Texas has shown that strong leadership and decisive action can make a difference, even when Washington fails to deliver.