Texas Gov. Greg Abbott approved a set of laws aimed at securing the southern border in the wake of the escalating level of illegal immigration, arms and lethal drugs infiltrating Texas from Mexico.
The bills include the utilization of drones for surveillance and post-disaster recovery, increased authority for trained Border Patrol agents and compensation for landowners impacted by border-related crimes, according to a June 8 news release from Abbott's office.
“Thanks to the leadership and hard work of Director McCraw, General Suelzer, and their teams, Texas has pushed back against the swell of migrants and held the line to keep people out of Texas — but there's more that needs to be done,” Abbott said in the release. “The Texas legislature has stepped up to make sure we continue to robustly respond to President Biden's growing border crisis, including allocating $5.1 billion for border security.
"Today, I am signing six bills from this year's regular session to ensure that Texas can continue to do even more to stop illegal immigration at our southern border and provide new tools to the brave men and women along the southern border to protect Texans and Americans from the chaos and crisis of the border,” Abbott added, according to the release.
Additionally, the legislation allows for the formation of an interstate border security compact, a training program for local peace officers and the categorization of Mexican drug cartels as “foreign terrorist organizations” with higher penalties for drug-related offenses and provision for local powers to charge them with public nuisance claims, the release reported.
Abbott received support during the bill signing ceremony as various senators, representatives, law enforcement officials and border security advocates were in attendance, the release said. Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw and Adjutant General of Texas Major General Thomas Suelzer both praised Abbott’s efforts, emphasizing the critical need to combat Mexican cartels and secure Texas' border.
Abbott revealed plans to position new aquatic floating barriers at key points along the Rio Grande River to inhibit unlawful crossings, according to the release. This measure is expected to make traversing the Rio Grande more challenging; thereby, actively discouraging illegal entry and further securing the Texas border.
The release reports the initial segment of the barrier, extending 1,000 feet, is set to be placed close to Eagle Pass.
According to his office website, Abbott was awarded Best Governor in the Nation in 2020 and is a dedicated conservative leader working to uphold Texas values. His focus is on fostering job growth and opportunities, educating youth, reinstating parents' rights in the educational system, safeguarding the liberty of individuals and strengthening the southern border amidst federal passivity.