Our Nation’s Border Crisis
The number of migrants flooding our borders is ever increasing. At one border station in Del Rio, Texas there were over 12,000 at last count. In recent reports, The Department of Human Services announced they are attempting to expedite processing but are also increasing deportation flights for those who try to come in illegally. Texas Governor, Greg Abbott has directed 6 points of entry at the border to be shut down to keep the state from being overrun by caravans of migrants. He called the situation “dire” and called out the Biden administration for not doing their part to fix the problem. He was quoted as saying, “The border crisis is so dire that the US Customs and Border Protection is requesting our help as their agents are overwhelmed by the chaos. Unlike President Biden, the State of Texas remains committed to securing our border and protecting Americans.”
Biden’s Border Policy
During his first days in office, President Biden reversed former President Donald Trump’s policy which required migrants to remain in Mexico until their processing into the United States is complete. He accused the Trump policy of being responsible of separating families and children from their parents. After an increase in illegal attempts at entering the country, Biden kept the policy in place. However, due to Biden’s failure to properly enforce immigration laws which has led to an influx in illegal immigrants, Governor Greg Abbott was prompted to send a surge of state resources to the Texas border. Mr. Abbott launched the “Operation Lone Star” program which sent DPS Troopers, border agents, Texas Rangers and The Texas National Guard to assist in the effort.
Abbott’s Vow of Protection
Governor Abbott also recognized that one of the main victims of this immigration problem are unaccompanied minors who are often brought over by smugglers and then abandoned.
“President Biden’s reckless open border policies have created a humanitarian crisis that is enriching the cartels, smugglers and human traffickers who often prey and abuse unaccompanied minors. Americans deserve to know what the Biden administration is doing to investigate the surge of unaccompanied minors crossing the border and protect those who are victims of human trafficking. That is why we are expanding Operation Lone Star to include anti-trafficking efforts and prevent those children from being trafficked and abused.”
So far, operation Lone Star has seen many successes. In an update given by Governor Greg Abbott, he revealed that since its inception, the program has been responsible for close to 600 criminal arrests and 16,000 referrals of illegal immigrants to border agents.
Two facilities in San Antonio are being used to house the overflow of unaccompanied children. Several delegations of national leaders which included Senators and Representatives recently traveled to tour the shelters and border processing centers. With the fight far from over, Greg Abbott is willing to do what it takes to ensure the safety of our borders while at the same time overseeing humanitarian.