Gov. Abbott deploys law enforcement to support Trump's immigration enforcement efforts

In a move to strengthen immigration enforcement, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced on Tuesday that the state will deploy tactical law enforcement teams to assist in President Donald Trump's efforts to curb illegal immigration. The operation will focus on locating and arresting individuals with active warrants across Texas.

The Governor has directed the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to activate "tactical strike teams," composed of DPS troopers, special agents, and Texas Rangers, to collaborate with federal officers in identifying and apprehending nearly 5,400 illegal immigrants with active warrants. The operation will also be supported by DPS aircraft and intelligence resources.

Abbott emphasized that this operation is part of a broader initiative to assist the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement efforts and bolster border security. "Texas is expanding our operations to assist President Donald Trump to protect Americans and enforce the rule of law," Abbott said in a statement.

The announcement follows Abbott’s order on Monday to deploy 400 Texas National Guard troops to the Rio Grande Valley, in support of both the President’s border security measures and Abbott's own Operation Lone Star. The state’s law enforcement deployment is part of a coordinated effort to combat illegal immigration, and Abbott’s office indicates that the strike teams will work with Homeland Security agencies to locate and deport individuals with active warrants.

Abbott's administration has frequently criticized the federal government's handling of immigration enforcement, but the Governor’s latest directive reflects a strong push to take matters into the state's own hands. "After four years of failed policies, Texas finally has a partner in President Trump," Abbott said. "Together, we will end this crisis and make America safe once again."

The tactical strike teams will not only target individuals with active warrants but will also coordinate with the newly established Homeland Security Task Force, which combines personnel and resources from both state and federal agencies. Abbott’s office is hopeful that this expanded operation will help reduce illegal immigration and improve public safety in the state.

While some advocacy groups have expressed concerns about the impact of such operations on immigrant communities, the Governor's office maintains that this action is necessary for national security and public safety. As the deployment of these law enforcement teams continues, it remains to be seen how this partnership between state and federal agencies will unfold in the coming weeks.