Gov. Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas National Guard to increase security at energy facilities, ports, and along the southern border in response to escalating hostilities between the United States and Iran.
The Texas Military Department announced late Saturday that it is activating service members under what it is calling Operation Fury Shield.
The move follows U.S. and Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian leadership and military infrastructure. U.S. officials have confirmed that three American service members were killed in the escalating conflict.
“At the direction of Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Military Department (TMD) is activating Service Members for Operation Fury Shield — working alongside our state partners to protect our citizens and critical infrastructure from any potential threat of retaliation,” the agency said in a post on X.
According to TMD, the operation will:
- Increase patrols at energy facilities
- Increase patrols at ports
- Increase patrols along the southern border
- Enhance cybersecurity capabilities
Abbott Backs U.S. Action
On Sunday, Abbott released a formal statement expressing support for President Donald Trump’s military action and outlining the state’s security posture.
“Texas stands with President Trump in sending a clear message to Iran: its aggression toward America and the West will no longer be tolerated,” Abbott said.
“I have directed the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas National Guard to ramp up surveillance and patrols at key sites — including our vital energy facilities, ports, and southern border. Texas is working closely with our federal partners to protect Texans and our critical assets from potential threats of retaliation.”
The governor did not cite a specific threat to Texas and described the increased posture as precautionary.
Broader Security Posture
Across the United States, law enforcement agencies have increased patrols at sensitive locations, including houses of worship and diplomatic sites, according to reporting from NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth.
Iran has launched retaliatory attacks toward Israel and U.S. military bases in the Middle East, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
Eric Jackson, a retired Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Dallas field office, said authorities would be closely analyzing intelligence for potential domestic threats.
“These types of matters bring out the best in the [FBI],” Jackson said. “Everybody’s working hard and everybody’s focused on protecting the homeland.”
The Texas Military Department directed media inquiries to its Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or 512-782-5620.
