Mocobizscene-In March 2021, Governor Greg Abbott took action by activating Operation Lone Star. Now, nearly two years later, the operation continues to be in effect due to the ongoing influx of migrants crossing the border. As a result, the state has incurred a significant cost of approximately $10 billion.
According to CBS News reporter Ken Molestina, a total of 496,000 migrants have been detained in Texas for being in the country illegally. Out of this number, 38,500 individuals are facing criminal charges, as reported by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). However, it is not specified whether these 38,500 apprehensions are included in the overall count of 500,000 stops made by DPS.
“We are here to protect Texas,” stated Sgt. Rene Cordova, emphasizing the purpose of their presence under the Governor’s order.
Abbott initiated the border closure operation, asserting that President Joe Biden has been unsuccessful in securing it.
As soon as I arrived, I noticed the presence of additional troopers, barriers, and razor wire. It was clear that arrests were being made for the misdemeanor crime of criminal trespassing. In Texas, this offense carries the potential for hefty fines of up to $2,000 and a maximum jail sentence of 180 days.
According to Cordova, the main focal point is in Eagle Pass, where there are high crossings from various parts of the world.
A Guatemalan national named “Edwin” was caught by CBS News Texas while attempting to illegally cross the border, disregarding the barrier in place.
“We simply want to surrender and seek asylum,” Edwin stated.
According to DPS, Operation Lone Star has confiscated a staggering 453 million doses of the deadly drug fentanyl.
CBS News Texas recently visited the section of the Rio Grande River where the state has installed buoys as a deterrent. These floating barriers have faced numerous legal challenges.
According to America Garcia from the Eagle Pass Border Coalition, the billion-dollar operation serves as a significant source of funding for political campaigns.
Garcia criticized the approach of some people who are solely focused on personal gains rather than considering the greater good. He pointed out that instead of asking what benefits everyone, these individuals are more concerned with how they can advance their political standing and receive campaign donations. This self-centered mindset is detrimental to the overall welfare of society.
Garcia thinks that the funding should be redirected to Texas schools and other projects.
“We need to address the roads all across Texas,” she emphasized. “It’s high time we invest in our hospitals and infrastructure instead. Let’s allocate the funds towards these crucial areas.”
Cordova, on the other hand, has a contrasting perspective on the operation’s presence and influence.
“This serves as the unofficial entry point to the United States, and its impact extends beyond the local communities. It also affects communities across the country,” he explained. “Therefore, I believe that this issue will persist for the foreseeable future.”
Abbott has already transported over 100,000 migrants through his program, which involves busing them to Democrat-led sanctuary cities.
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