The end of Title 42 on Friday led to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) ceasing its partnership with the Austin Police Department (APD), according to reports from Austin-based media outlets.
Title 42 was implemented during the Trump administration at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to authorize the swift removal of migrants at the U.S.’s border with Mexico.
Austin FOX affiliate KTBC reported that the last day of the partnership between DPS and APD was Saturday.
Per the station, Austin Chief of Police Joseph Chacon said in a statement DPS troopers are “being deployed heavily in border cities,” prompting the state agency to temporarily pause operations in the state capital.
Chacon added it’s unknown as to when the partnership will resume, KTBC reported.
The chief thanked DPS for lending his department a hand in “keeping our community safe,” Austin ABC affiliate KVUE reported.
“Over the last several weeks, they have assisted in lowering the number of calls related to violent crime, removed stolen guns and vehicles from the streets and recovered large quantities of illegal narcotics, as well as helping to increase traffic safety in our city,” Chacon said, the station reported.
KVUE reported that the partnership, which began in late March, was formed as a way to alleviate APD’s staffing woes.
According to Austin City Councilwoman Mackenzie Kelly, Austin NBC affiliate KXAN reported, there may be some problems with public safety with DPS-APD partnership on hold.
“While the situation is still evolving, we acknowledge that this may impact public safety in certain areas,” Kelly said in a statement obtained by KXAN. “Still, we support their crucial work at the border and welcome them back as soon as possible. We remain committed to ensuring safety in our city and appreciate the cooperation of our law enforcement partners.”
