Gov. Abbott Says Operation Lone Star Intensifies Border Security

AUSTIN, TX — Governor Greg Abbott sent out a press release on Friday, October 18, detailing the Texas Government's continued efforts to secure the Texas-Mexico border through Operation Lonestar. Governor Abbott, alongside the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Texas National Guard, aims to stop the smuggling of drugs, weapons, and people into Texas while preventing criminal activity between ports of entry.

Since its inception, Operation Lone Star has resulted in over 523,100 illegal immigrant apprehensions and more than 47,800 criminal arrests, including over 41,300 felony charges. The multi-agency operation has also played a key role in combating the fentanyl crisis, with Texas law enforcement seizing over 551 million lethal doses of the drug, enough to potentially kill the combined populations of the United States and Mexico.

Governor Abbott emphasized the mission's success in reducing illegal crossings into Texas by over 86%, which has also lessened the number of migrants being transported to sanctuary cities. As part of the state's migrant transportation program, Texas has relocated more than 119,000 migrants to various cities since 2022, including:

• Over 12,500 to Washington, D.C. since April 2022
• Over 45,900 to New York City since August 2022
• Over 36,900 to Chicago since August 2022
• Over 3,400 to Philadelphia since November 2022
• Over 19,200 to Denver since May 2023
• Over 1,500 to Los Angeles since June 2023

Governor Abbott stated that Operation Lone Star continues to address the gaps in border security, attributing ongoing issues to federal "open border policies." He stressed that the initiative has intercepted significant criminal activity, with many apprehensions and drug seizures potentially preventing harm to communities across the state and country.

Crackdown on Tren de Aragua Gang

In recent developments, Governor Abbott highlighted Texas' efforts to combat the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA). Speaking at the South Texas Property Rights Association's (STPRA) annual meeting in Corpus Christi, Abbott discussed a statewide operation targeting the gang. The crackdown, ordered by Abbott last month, has already led to the arrests of known and suspected TdA members as part of efforts to curb the gang's criminal operations within the state.

"The South Texas Property Rights Association has been a steadfast advocate for border security for nearly two decades," said Governor Abbott. "Our latest battle against Tren de Aragua is crucial, and Texas law enforcement is actively working to deter and disrupt their illegal activities."

Operation Lone Star's ongoing efforts reflect the state's commitment to reinforcing border security and addressing the impacts of transnational crime.