Amidst the spotlight on Shelby Park in Eagle Pass, Texas, it is important to note that National Guardsmen are actively carrying out border security operations along Texas’ 1,254-mile border with Mexico.
Boat and brush teams are currently conducting patrols along the Rio Grande River, while also coordinating with aerial assets to ensure the safety of Texas and the nation from transnational criminal behavior. This Texas Military Department video showcases the ongoing operations in action.
Governor Greg Abbott has instructed the Texas National Guard soldiers to maintain a strong presence and prevent illegal entry by installing additional concertina and razor wire barriers along the river.
According to the Texas Military Department, the Texas National Guard will persist in addressing hotspots and adapting to the evolving conditions along the border. Their primary objective is to remain a responsive and effective force, strategically positioned in collaboration with state and local law enforcement agencies. Together, they endeavor to maintain border security along the Texas and Mexico border.
The Governor’s emergency declaration in early January resulted in the complete control of the park by the Guard. Joint Task Force Lone Star utilized a multi-faceted approach, employing personnel, equipment, and capabilities to effectively manage the park.
According to Abbott, the number of illegal entries has significantly decreased from over 3,000 per day to just around three per day. He also mentioned that they plan to replicate the success achieved in Shelby Park in other parts of the state.
According to Texas border czar Mike Banks, the success of their efforts can be attributed to the method they are employing in Texas. Banks, who spent 23 years as a Border Patrol agent, claims that Texas is using tactics that should be used by Border Patrol agents. However, these tactics are not being employed due to orders from the Biden administration, as he and others have pointed out.
Banks has collaborated with the Texas Military Department in the past year to pinpoint the routes heavily trafficked by cartels. Together, they have implemented barriers to impede the flow and partnered with Texas Department of Public Safety troopers to intercept these activities.
According to Banks, Texas is determined to assert its control over a particular area and ensure its continued dominance. The state aims to not only maintain its hold but also expand its reach. Banks emphasized the importance of cutting off illegal entry into Texas, highlighting the state’s commitment to border security.
“We will strategically position ourselves in areas with high traffic, implementing a PDI approach: positioning, deterring, and interdicting.”
“We will do our utmost to prevent individuals from crossing the border. And if they do attempt to cross, we will take immediate action to interdict them, make the necessary arrests, and charge them with criminal trespass or any other violation of state law. These individuals will face legal consequences and will serve time for their actions.”
Since the initiation of Operation Lone Star, the border security mission by Abbott, law enforcement officers have successfully apprehended over 498,300 illegal foreign nationals. Additionally, they have made more than 39,200 criminal arrests, leading to a reported 35,400 felony charges. Notably, the officers have also managed to seize a staggering amount of fentanyl, totaling over 458 million lethal doses. To put this into perspective, this quantity can potentially endanger the lives of every individual in both the United States and Canada.