Dozens of Texas National Guardsmen have been sworn in to assist with immigration enforcement along the southern border.
Last week, El Paso Sector Interim Chief Walter N. Slosar of the United States Border Patrol officially deputized 60 Texas National Guard soldiers under Title 8, giving them the authority to enforce immigration laws.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, the Texas National Guard recently reached an agreement with the Trump administration to help with arrests along the border. At the time, Gov. Greg Abbott called the move a significant step toward protecting the southern border.
Under their newly expanded role, the National Guard soldiers will work directly alongside the Border Patrol to protect the El Paso Sector. The 60 National Guard soldiers can now apprehend and detain people illegally crossing into the United States. Before being deputized, the National Guardsmen were restricted to observation and assistance roles.
“The brave men and women of the National Guard raised their hands today and swore an oath to defend this nation’s borders. They now stand alongside our Border Patrol Agents to enforce U.S. immigration laws and secure the border,” said Slosar, per Fox 4 KDFW.
“Together, they secure our borders with the strength and commitment the American people deserve. We are proud to serve beside them in this mission.”
Almost 1,500 National Guard soldiers nationwide support southern border protection efforts. In addition, nearly 5,000 Texas National Guard members are also still operating under Operation Lone Star to protect the border.
The news comes amid tension between local law enforcement here in Dallas and Gov. Abbott over illegal immigration enforcement. Last month, The Dallas Express reported that the Dallas Police Department (DPD) was hosting a series of meetings to calm fears by some North Texas residents. The DPD said they were concerned some communities would be reluctant to report crimes if it meant potentially interacting with law enforcement and risking deportation.
After learning of the Dallas PD’s position, Gov. Abbott insisted local police should be complying with immigration enforcement measures. However, Dallas interim Police Chief Michael Igo has since reaffirmed the department’s policy not to stop or contact people solely to assess their immigration status.