Texas Governor Greg Abbott Takes Steps to Bolster Border Security Amidst Congressional Stalemate

Amidst a lack of progress in Congress on federal immigration reform, Texas Governor Greg Abbott is taking action to strengthen border security. Collaborating with state and local authorities, Governor Abbott is implementing initiatives to reinforce defenses along the southern border. In an address at Shelby Park in Eagle Pass, Governor Abbott emphasized the importance of teamwork in tackling illegal border crossings. He announced plans to enhance current operations by deploying additional personnel and fortifying infrastructure with measures such as razor wire and anti-climb barriers, with the assistance of the Texas National Guard.

Governor Abbott is receiving support from fellow governors in his efforts to bolster border security. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has pledged to send National Guard troops to assist Texas, allocating $3 million in state funds for the deployment. Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy has also expressed support, considering the possibility of deploying troops at a cost of $1 million per month.

Despite potential legal challenges from the Biden administration, Governor Abbott reiterated Texas’ commitment to enforcing federal immigration laws. He remains determined to uphold border security measures, even in the face of recent setbacks such as the Supreme Court ruling against the placement of razor wire.

In his address, Governor Abbott criticized the Biden administration for its handling of border security, arguing that existing laws already provide enough authority to address illegal immigration. He highlighted Texas’ role in preventing further violations of federal law on state-owned land along the border, stressing the need for decisive action to curb unlawful entry into the country.

Governor Abbott noted significant progress in reducing migrant encounters at key border locations, with daily averages dropping from thousands to single digits. He credited enhanced security measures and collaborative efforts with law enforcement agencies for this notable decline in illegal crossings.

Prior to his public address, Governor Abbott held a security briefing with members of the Texas House of Representatives. During the briefing, he discussed recent law enforcement activities and emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration in tackling border challenges. Governor Abbott also highlighted law enforcement achievements, including the arrest of over 39,000 illegal immigrants and the seizure of millions of lethal doses of fentanyl. These efforts demonstrate Texas’ proactive stance in combating transnational crime and safeguarding communities along the southern border.