At a recent Texas Senate Committee hearing, the progress and ongoing efforts of Texas’ border security mission, Operation Lone Star, were brought into sharp focus. This mission, launched in response to the escalating border crisis post-2021, has been instrumental in shifting illegal entry westward to states like New Mexico, Arizona, and California, underscoring Texas’ aggressive and innovative approach to border security under Governor Greg Abbott’s leadership.
The border crisis intensified early in 2021 following the Biden administration’s implementation of more lenient immigration policies, which led to Texas border towns being inundated with surges of illegal immigration and spikes in crime. In March 2021, Governor Abbott launched Operation Lone Star (OLS) to address these challenges. The operation’s scope was further expanded in January 2023 with the appointment of Mike Banks as the new “Border Czar”. Banks, with his extensive U.S. Border Patrol background, echoed the considerable success of OLS, particularly its impact on reducing illegal entry.
As Operation Lone Star bolstered its efforts, illegal entries shifted away from Texas, drastically lowering the state’s share of cross-border traffic from 60% in December 2022 to 29% by January 2024. Banks introduced a strategic “prevent, deter, interdict” approach, enhancing interdiction efforts in collaboration with the Texas Department of Public Safety and other law enforcement teams. These initiatives have resulted in a dramatic 74% decrease in illegal crossings since March 2021. As of last month, Texas witnessed the lowest number of illegal border crossings in over two years.
The significant reduction in illegal entries highlights the effectiveness of OLS. For instance, while Texas saw approximately 130,000 illegal crossers in December 2022, this figure plummeted to 35,900 by January 2024. Further underscoring the mission’s success, Major General Tom Sueltzer, Adjutant General for the State of Texas, detailed the extensive contributions of the Texas National Guard, which has constructed hundreds of miles of border barriers, including commercial-grade fencing and concertina wire barricades, to deter illegal crossings.
A testament to the widespread support for Texas’ border security initiatives, 18 states have deployed around 2,400 National Guard troops to aid in Operation Lone Star. Texas DPS Director Steve McCraw highlighted the distinct challenges Texas faces compared to California. Despite sharing 64% of the border with Mexico but having only 11% of the primary federal infrastructure, Texas has made significant strides in securing its 1,254 miles of diverse terrain. The Rio Grande Valley, historically a hotspot for smuggling, no longer leads the nation in illegal entries, thanks to targeted resources and enhanced security measures.
However, the relentless pressure on border security remains a national concern. As efforts in Texas curtailed illegal entries, the challenge crept westward, causing Del Rio, El Paso, and Tucson to temporarily hold the mantle. Currently, San Diego, which controls a mere 11% of the border yet contains 85% of federal infrastructure, faces the brunt of illegal entries. This shift underscores the ongoing need for a comprehensive, multi-state, and multi-agency approach to border security.
The strategic efforts and collaboration demonstrated by Texas through Operation Lone Star reveal significant insights into effective border management. The state’s proactive measures reflect a commitment to maintaining national security and addressing the systemic issues posed by illegal immigration. As the situation continues to evolve, the lessons learned and strategies implemented by Texas will likely serve as a model for other states grappling with similar challenges. The trajectory set by Operation Lone Star underscores the critical importance of state-led initiatives in reinforcing national borders and safeguarding local communities.
