Illegal immigration/United States/Texas
Operation Lone Star
Texas’ bold border defense
Those of us living in the United States have seen and heard about the crisis happening at our southern border, illegal immigration. I am all for and welcome those who would like to reside within the U.S. if done properly. The issue we have at our Texas border puts all citizens in danger, we don’t know who is getting through illegally and why they are coming here.
Under the leadership of Governor Greg Abbott, Texas has positioned itself as a vanguard in the battle against illegal immigration and cross-border crime.
This assertive approach, epitomized by Operation Lone Star, represents a significant departure from previous strategies and aligns closely with Abbott’s tough-on-crime and border security stance.
The collaboration between Texas, the Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Texas National Guard is at the heart of these border security efforts. This partnership aims to reinforce the state’s capacity to monitor and secure its border, an initiative that has taken on increased urgency given the surge in illegal immigration and smuggling activities.
The primary objectives of these efforts are multifaceted. They include strengthening border security to prevent illegal crossings, halting the smuggling of drugs, weapons, and individuals, and disrupting the operations of transnational criminal organizations. These objectives extend beyond traditional border patrol activities, incorporating broader law enforcement and public safety goals.
Since its inception, Operation Lone Star has yielded significant results. The initiative has led to over 496,700 apprehensions of illegal immigrants and more than 38,700 criminal arrests, resulting in upwards of 35,100 felony charges. These figures underscore the scale of the operation and its impact on immigration and crime along the Texas border.
A notable achievement of Operation Lone Star is its role in combating the fentanyl crisis. Texas law enforcement agencies have seized over 454 million lethal doses of fentanyl, a staggering amount that highlights the gravity of the drug smuggling issue and its potential impact on public health.
In a controversial move, Texas has actively engaged in the transportation of migrants to cities across the United States. This has included over 12,500 to Washington, D.C., around 37,500 to New York City, approximately 31,200 to Chicago, over 3,400 to Philadelphia, upwards of 16,000 to Denver, and more than 1,500 to Los Angeles. This strategy is seen as a direct response to the federal government’s immigration policies, intended to highlight the burden faced by border states and prompt action at the national level.
Operation Lone Star is viewed as a critical response to the perceived inadequacies in border security under President Joe Biden’s administration. Texas officials, led by Governor Abbott, argue that the federal government’s policies are too lenient, failing to adequately address the issues of illegal immigration and cross-border crime.
Texas maintains that each apprehension, arrest, and seizure under Operation Lone Star is evidence of the state’s proactive role in safeguarding not only its own communities but also the nation. This stance is presented as a counter-narrative to the federal government’s approach, underscoring a deep-seated policy disagreement between Texas and the Biden Administration.
Operation Lone Star, under Governor Greg Abbott’s direction, represents a significant moment in Texas’ approach to immigration and border security. Its achievements and methodologies have sparked debate, reflecting broader national divisions over immigration policy. As Texas continues to implement and expand this operation, its impact on immigration, public safety, and intergovernmental relations will be closely watched and will undoubtedly influence the national conversation on these critical issues.
