DPS Adds New Foreign Influence Report Feature to iWatchTexas

AUSTIN, TX — The Texas Department of Public Safety has added a new feature to the iWatchTexas Community Reporting System that allows Texans to report threats or harassment related to foreign influence. This is to protect Texans from pressure or coercion by foreign governments.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced the new feature, saying the safety and security of Texans is a top priority. “Texas’ No. 1 priority is to protect the safety and security of Texans,” Abbott said.

“Last year, I directed DPS to update iWatchTexas to allow Texans to directly report any harassment or coercion from hostile foreign adversaries such as the Chinese Communist Party. This new iWatchTexas feature will allow Texans to report any threats from hostile foreign adversaries who wish to undermine the public safety and national security of Texas. I encourage anyone who experiences or observes harassment, threats of violence or coercion to report the attempts directly to the iWatchTexas app or call 844-643-2251.”

According to a press release, the new feature makes it easier for people to report things like harassment, surveillance, digital threats, or even more serious threats like abductions or passport revocation. Any report that mentions foreign influence will be sent directly to DPS for further investigation.

DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin explained how important it is for the public to help report any suspicious behavior. “This new feature helps the department quickly address a wider range of homeland security threats facing our state, making us safer,” Martin said.

The iWatchTexas system has always allowed people to report suspicious activities related to crime or threats to public safety, but with this update, it now helps identify foreign influence threats. 

People can submit reports using the iWatchTexas app, online at www.iwatchtx.org, or by calling 1-844-643-2251. Reports are confidential, and submitting them only takes a few minutes, the release says.

The iWatchTexas app is free and available for both iPhone and Android.