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.