In an ongoing effort to secure its border, Texas has shown substantial results through Operation Lone Star, a collaborative initiative involving Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Texas National Guard. This multi-agency mission aims to tighten border security and combat the smuggling of drugs, weapons, and people.
Substantial Apprehensions and Arrests
Since its inception, Operation Lone Star has recorded over 508,900 illegal immigrant apprehensions, showcasing Texas’ proactive approach to managing its border security. Alongside these apprehensions, the operation has also made significant headway in criminal enforcement, with more than 41,900 arrests. These arrests have led to over 37,600 felony charges, reflecting a stern stance against criminal activities linked to border crossings.
Seizure of Fentanyl
In response to the ongoing fentanyl crisis, Texas has taken aggressive measures under Operation Lone Star, seizing over 475 million lethal doses of fentanyl. This large-scale interdiction highlights the critical role that state-led initiatives play in addressing nationwide drug trafficking issues.
Migrant Transportation Initiatives
A controversial yet notable aspect of Operation Lone Star has been the transportation of migrants to various cities across the United States. This strategy aims to distribute the responsibility and impact of migrant care more broadly:
- Over 12,500 migrants have been transported to Washington, D.C. since April 2022.
- New York City has received over 42,500 migrants since August 2022.
- Chicago has welcomed over 34,700 migrants since August 2022.
- Over 3,400 migrants have been sent to Philadelphia since November 2022.
- Denver has seen over 18,100 migrants arrive since May 2023.
- Lastly, Los Angeles has taken in over 1,500 migrants since June 2023.
Controversial yet Determined
Governor Abbott has been vocal about his view that these efforts fill the void left by the federal government’s policies, which he argues have failed to adequately secure the border. According to Abbott, Operation Lone Star is a direct response to the Biden Administration’s perceived inaction, aiming to prevent the consequences of what he describes as ‘open border policies’ from affecting Texas and the broader United States.
Operation Lone Star represents a significant chapter in Texas’ history of border management. With its extensive apprehensions, arrests, and proactive drug interdiction efforts, the operation underscores the state’s firm commitment to maintaining security and public safety. As debates around immigration and border policies continue, the figures from Operation Lone Star provide crucial data points for policymakers, law enforcement, and the public.
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