DPS launches border mounted patrol unit, graduates inaugural class

SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) — Texas is taking another step toward securing the southern border.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is announcing the launch of its first-ever Border Mounted Patrol Unit, a dedicated team of trained Texas Highway Patrol (THP) Troopers paired with horse equipped to patrol the rugged Texas border terrain.

On Friday, DPS celebrated the launch by graduating the inaugural 3E Mounted Horse Patrol Class, which will be expected to enhance border security through strategic on-the-ground efforts.

“This marks a historic moment for the Texas Department of Public Safety as we continue to innovate and strengthen our efforts to protect the people of Texas,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “The launch of the Border Mounted Patrol Unit and the graduation of its inaugural class represents our unwavering commitment to enhancing border security utilizing unique and adaptive strategies.”

The new border unit will help border security efforts by supplementing ground troops and leveraging the horse’s unique capabilities in challenging terrain. Working in close coordination with local, state and federal partners, 3E will assist in finding and apprehending those trying to circumvent established border checkpoints.

The three teams, which are comprised of seasoned Troopers with a foundation in horseback riding and their Quarter Horse partners, took part in a six-week training program to meet the challenges of patrolling the border. The training included four weeks of instruction through the Customs and Border Patrol National Horse Patrol Program’s Basic Training Course, where the teams honed their skills in navigation, terrain adaptability, tracking and law enforcement operations on horseback.

Following the classroom and field training, the teams completed an additional two weeks of on-the-job training, putting their skills into practice in real-world scenarios. In those two weeks, 3E assisted in apprehending 11 people trying to enter the country illegally.

Following graduation teams will report to duty stations in Eagle Pass, Carrizo Springs and Del Rio. Click here to view pictures from the training and graduation.