The latest on Border Security
Of all the failures of our federal government, none is more glaring than the crisis on the Southern Border. After years of record crossings – and continued daily waves – opponents of the Texas solution claim state leaders should halt any further action because of a perceived decrease in crossings and, more importantly, the present dangers.
I have supported Governor Greg Abbott’s bold leadership to provide unique solutions to deter illegal crossings. I do not wish to see anyone harmed in the attempt to find a new future in America. But there are proper channels that offer safe passage. At the same time, the Cartels, which I voted to declare a foreign terrorist threat, are exploiting the border for financial gain. And Americans are dying because of record amounts of Fentanyl and the criminal actions of repeat offenders who continue to make their way back across the border.
Until the federal government provides a solution, I will continue to support Governor Abbott and my fellow Conservative lawmakers in taking action to install more barriers and deploy more boots on the ground. That’s why I worked on the House Appropriations Committee this session to deliver more than $5.1 billion in funding – a historic amount.
As I receive dispatches from the border, I want to provide updates on what is happening. We have seen the media twist the narrative about our border communities' struggles. The families that live and make their living along the border are feeling the strain, too. Thankfully, we are doing more than ever to strengthen border security.
Here are first-hand facts about Operation Lone Star and the Texas solution to strengthening border security.
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Governor Abbott has put in place a system of buoys in the Rio Grande river to help protect the border and prevent dangerous crossings. Some people who don't like this idea say it's mean, but the buoys are actually helpful to keep us safe and deter illegal crossings in areas where immigrants have died from drowning prior to the buoy deployment.
Here's what you need to know:
◼️ The buoy system is like a barrier in the water. Right now, it's only 1000 feet long, but it could be made longer to cover more areas and stop illegal crossings.
◼️ Making and putting up the buoys costs about $5 million for each mile. But building a wall along the border costs a lot more, about $27 million per mile.
◼️ The buoys have a net under them that can stop people from diving or swimming under. If the water level gets too low, the net can fold up.
◼️ The buoys don't have any sharp wire on them, like you might see on a fence. But there's some wire on the land next to the river.
◼️ Border agents are always watching the buoys to make sure nobody tries to cross illegally.
◼️ There are signs near the river in languages spoken in Latin America, warning people not to cross.
◼️ The Rio Grande river can be tough to cross, especially for kids or people who can't swim well. Last year, there were 67 drownings in just one area near Eagle Pass.
◼️ The buoys were there when someone drowned, but they didn't cause it. The buoys can actually help prevent drownings by stopping people from getting into the river.
Despite the narrative about the design of the buoys, the purpose is clear. They give a clear sign of dangerous crossing locations and prevent illegal crossings in high-traffic areas of the Rio Grande.
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Operation Lone Star, which began in March 2021, has increased Texas law enforcement presence at the border, including the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Military Department. This effort effectively combats border crimes like drug smuggling, human trafficking, and illegal immigration.
Since its start until July 27, 2023:
◼️ 32,428 criminals were arrested.
◼️ 29,693 felony charges were made.
◼️ 51,535 illegal entry attempts were stopped.
◼️ Significant drug seizures occurred: 26,485 lbs of marijuana, 5,196 lbs of cocaine, and 12,685 lbs of meth.
◼️ 89,068,681 lethal doses of Fentanyl, a deadly drug, were confiscated.
◼️ 343 stash house incidents led to 3,753 rescued illegal immigrants.
Human trafficking groups and their smugglers profit from the illegal trade pushed through porous parts of our border. Often overlooked is the toll on Texas law enforcement's mental well-being. Troopers deployed face prolonged separations from families, leading to stress-related issues, including some tragic suicides.
The federal government's mishandling of the border crisis endangers Texas heroes. Despite risks, these dedicated troopers deserve gratitude and support as they protect the border, and we should continue to pray for their safety and well-being.