Governor Abbott, Texas border chairmen discuss border security strategies in Weslaco

SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) — Texas Governor Greg Abbott continues his stated commitment to maintain border security and to stop the flow of fentanyl into the state.

Governor Abbott hosted a round table discussion on Tuesday with Senator Brian Birdwell, Representative Ryan Guillen, and Operation Lone Star officials in Weslaco to focus on the state’s ongoing border security efforts. The gathering follows last week’s designation of border security as an emergency item for this legislative session.

“I am proud to be here today with Senator Birdwell and Representative Guillen, so they could see firsthand the work being done by the brave men and women of Operation Lone Star and so we could review plans for the next two years,” said Governor Abbott. “This past year, we saw this highest number of illegal immigrants ever who were apprehended coming across our border. Texas is stepping up. Texans, as well as our fellow Americans, are furious about the lawlessness caused by President Joe Biden’s open border policies. It is because of this that I declared border security an emergency item this session to address this quickly and be more proactive. We’re sending a message today: If you’re coming toward the United States of America and thinking about making a border crossing in the State of Texas, you’re picking the wrong state to try to enter into. We’re going to do everything we can to keep you out of our border and out of our country.”

The Governor was also joined by Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Steve McCraw, Adjutant General of the Texas Military Department Major General Thomas Suelzer, and Border Czar Mike Banks. During the roundtable discussion, the Governor and state leaders outlined Texas’ expanding strategies to secure our southern border and legislative actions needed to continue funding the state’s historic defense of the border in President Biden’s absence. Senator Birdwell, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Border Security, and Representative Guillen, Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety, also discussed with Governor Abbott and Operation Lone Star leadership the Biden Administration’s elimination of Title 42 and the impending devastating impacts on Texas communities.

You can keep up with Governor Abbott’s efforts to secure the southern border by clicking here.

(PHOTO: Office Of The Governor, 2/21/2023)

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