The U.S. Department of Homeland Security reported that efforts to strengthen and secure the southern border wall are continuing following President Donald Trump’s inauguration earlier this month.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Chief Michael W. Banks posted on social media on Friday to report that the department “actively strengthens border security by refining strategies to deliver effective impedance and denial capabilities, addressing illegal cross-border activity head-on.”
“Efforts like installing wall panels to fill critical gaps in Deming, New Mexico, exemplify our commitment to enhancing infrastructure and operational effectiveness. Agents drive these solutions by leveraging advanced technology and their ingenuity to adapt to evolving challenges, ensuring a more secure and managed border.”
Last week, Abbott requested that the U.S. Congress reimburse the Lone Star State for just over $11 billion worth of expenses related to border security measures provided by the state, as previously reported on by The Dallas Express.
The governor wrote in a letter to Congressional leaders and the Texas Congressional Delegation that “President Biden’s policies left Texas and the rest of America defenseless against an unprecedented infiltration of violent criminals, known terrorists, and other hostile foreign actors, like the dangerous Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.”
“I launched Operation Lone Star (OLS) to combat these threats to all Americans. Over the past four years, OLS efforts successfully reduced illegal immigration into Texas by 87%, demonstrated the ongoing effectiveness of President Donald Trump’s border measures, and shone a spotlight on a national crisis,” continued the governor.
“In total, Texas has spent over $11.1 billion to protect the nation and secure the border. Accordingly, I am formally requesting that the federal government reimburse Texas for these costs in full.”
Additionally, Abbott has directed the Texas Military to work with the U.S. Border Patrol and Trump’s administration to help secure the border.
Abbott directed the Texas Tactical Border Force to deploy over 400 soldiers to manage the southern border alongside the Texas National Guard soldiers already deployed. The force utilized C-130s and Chinook helicopters to help secure the border along the Rio Grande Valley.
“Texas has a partner in the White House we can work with to secure the Texas-Mexico border,” said Governor Abbott. “To support that mission, today, I deployed the Texas Tactical Border Force, comprised of hundreds of troops, to work side-by-side with U.S. Border Patrol agents to stop illegal immigrants from entering our country and to enforce immigration laws,” the governor wrote in a statement.