Governor Greg Abbott, alongside the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Texas National Guard, is intensifying efforts to secure the Texas-Mexico border. This initiative aims to thwart the smuggling of drugs, weapons, and individuals while actively preventing, detecting, and interdicting transnational criminal activities that occur between ports of entry. The operation, known as Operation Lone Star, represents a concerted multi-agency response to what many view as a critical challenge facing the state.

Since its inception, Operation Lone Star has resulted in over 525,800 illegal immigrant apprehensions and more than 48,500 criminal arrests, with a staggering 41,800 felony charges filed. In a direct response to the escalating fentanyl crisis, Texas law enforcement has seized over 552 million lethal doses of fentanyl throughout this border mission—an amount sufficient to endanger the lives of every single man, woman, and child in both the United States and Mexico.

Thanks to these comprehensive security measures, Texas has successfully decreased illegal crossings into the state by over 86%. This reduction not only signifies a triumph in border security but also translates into fewer migrants being transported to sanctuary cities. Since the launch of Texas’ transportation program, the state has seen significant movement of migrants to various locations:

Over 12,500 migrants transported to Washington, D.C. since April 2022
Over 45,900 migrants sent to New York City since August 2022
Over 36,900 migrants directed to Chicago since August 2022
Over 3,400 migrants moved to Philadelphia since November 2022
Over 19,200 migrants relocated to Denver since May 2023
Over 1,500 migrants brought to Los Angeles since June 2023

Governor Abbott asserts that Operation Lone Star fills the dangerous gaps that have emerged due to the federal government’s reluctance to secure the border effectively. “Every individual who is apprehended or arrested and every ounce of drugs seized would have otherwise made their way into communities across Texas and the nation due to open border policies,” the Governor stated.

Recent Key Developments from Operation Lone Star

Operation Lone Star has recently showcased several crucial developments that highlight the ongoing dedication to border security and crime prevention.

Advanced Drone Technology for Enhanced Surveillance

In a recent update shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Governor Abbott highlighted the use of drone technology in border security operations. Texas National Guard soldiers are utilizing drones equipped with thermal imaging and GPS capabilities to support law enforcement in apprehending and arresting migrants who illegally cross the Texas-Mexico border. This technological advancement plays a significant role in the state’s commitment to employing every available tool to ensure safety and security for its residents.

Targeting Criminal Gangs: The Case of Tren de Aragua

Another key focus of Operation Lone Star is the ongoing effort to dismantle the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA). Governor Abbott has urged Texans to contribute to this mission by reporting any information to the Texas Crime Stoppers hotline. In September, a reward of $5,000 was announced for tips leading to the arrest of known or suspected TdA members involved in criminal activities. “Texas will continue to crack down on this dangerous gang to get them off our streets and behind bars,” Abbott emphasized.

Collaboration with Neighboring States

The collaboration between Texas and the Louisiana National Guard showcases a unified approach to border security. Governor Abbott recently shared images of Texas National Guard soldiers working hand-in-hand with their Louisiana counterparts to install razor wire barriers along the border. This initiative is part of a broader effort that has seen 13 governors from various states standing in solidarity with Texas regarding border security challenges.

Ongoing Border Wall Construction

As part of Operation Lone Star, the construction of a border wall in Maverick County continues to progress. This infrastructure project is a vital component of the state’s strategy to significantly reduce illegal crossings. The ongoing efforts have contributed to the reported 86% decrease in illegal crossings into Texas, reinforcing the state’s commitment to maintaining secure borders.

Success Stories and Operational Highlights

The diligence of Texas law enforcement and the National Guard has led to numerous successful operations in recent weeks, showcasing the effectiveness of Operation Lone Star.

High-Speed Pursuit and Arrests

In a recent incident, DPS troopers engaged in a high-speed pursuit involving a smuggler operating a Ford Edge in Webb County. The smuggler, identified as Israel Perez from Laredo, allowed a female illegal immigrant from Mexico to exit the vehicle during the chase. Despite his attempts to evade capture, Perez was apprehended, and inside the vehicle, authorities discovered five additional illegal immigrants. He now faces six counts of smuggling persons and evading arrest.

Seizure of Narcotics

In another operation, the DPS Special Operations Group in Cameron County successfully arrested an illegal immigrant attempting to smuggle four large bundles of narcotics totaling 119 pounds into Texas. This seizure underscores the ongoing battle against drug trafficking that the state faces.

Deterring Human Smuggling

Additionally, a DPS Brush Team arrested a smuggling guide associated with the Gulf Cartel in the Rio Grande Valley. The guide was attempting to facilitate the illegal crossing of three other immigrants from Mexico into Texas and now faces three counts of human smuggling.

Successful Interceptions by the National Guard

In Eagle Pass, Texas National Guard soldiers successfully turned back 25 illegal immigrants attempting to cross the border in two separate incidents. Utilizing drones to monitor the riverbank, the soldiers were able to intercept the groups and direct them back to Mexico, demonstrating effective deterrence strategies in action.

Preparing for Future Challenges

Operation Lone Star is not only about current enforcement but also about preparing for potential future scenarios. Texas National Guard soldiers are actively training for possible mass migration events along the border. In El Paso, they are participating in mass migration response exercises alongside state and local law enforcement to ensure readiness in the face of any challenges that may arise.

As Captain Daniel Mannon from Task Force East stated, “This type of exercise helps us stay sharp. Each of [the primary staff officers and company commanders] is addressing their piece of the puzzle… It allows us to be better prepared and to be able to execute a response in a timely and efficient manner.”</p