The Texas National Guard has reached an agreement with the Trump administration, granting its soldiers the authority to make immigration-related arrests along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Gov. Greg Abbott announced the deal, calling it a significant step toward enhancing border security.
We have a President who will PARTNER with Texas to deny illegal entry.
To support that mission, I ordered Texas state agencies to assist the Trump Administration with arresting, jailing, and deporting illegal immigrants.
Texas cities and counties must cooperate. #TXSOTS25
— Gov. Greg Abbott (@GovAbbott) February 2, 2025
Under the agreement, Texas National Guard troops will now be able to detain individuals suspected of crossing the border illegally. However, they must be accompanied by a U.S. immigration officer or Border Patrol agent when making arrests.
This partnership aims to increase human resources and strengthen enforcement efforts amid ongoing concerns about illegal immigration.
Abbott praised the deal as necessary to support state and federal agencies in their crackdown on border crossings.
“Texas is stepping up where Washington has failed,” he said in a statement. “With this new authority, our National Guard will help restore order and secure our border.”
The agreement is part of a broader strategy by Texas to collaborate with federal authorities in addressing immigration challenges. In recent months, the state has expanded its border security operations, including deploying additional law enforcement personnel and constructing new barriers.
Critics argue that allowing National Guard troops to engage in immigration enforcement blurs the lines between military and law enforcement duties. Legal experts also question whether state soldiers should have such powers under federal law.
The new policy takes effect immediately, with Texas National Guard units already being briefed on their expanded role in border enforcement.