More Authority Over Illegal Immigrants Was Granted to the Texas National Guard

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has expanded the authority of the Texas National Guard, allowing them to apprehend and detain illegal immigrants at the El Paso border. This move strengthens Texas’ ongoing efforts to combat illegal immigration as part of Operation Lone Star.

Texas National Guard Now Has Immigration Enforcement Powers

Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced the change earlier this month on X (formerly Twitter), stating:

“In an agreement I signed between Texas and Trump’s Customs and Border Protection, the Texas National Guard is granted the power of immigration officials to make immigration arrests. Effective immediately. This boosts manpower for border security.”

With this new authority, the Texas National Guard will now work directly alongside Border Patrol agents to enforce federal immigration laws and secure the border.

Operation Lone Star: Texas’ Border Security Initiative

Operation Lone Star has been a key part of Texas’ immigration enforcement strategy. The program currently has:

5,000 Texas National Guard soldiers stationed at the border.
1,500 additional National Guard troops from other states supporting Texas.

This expansion follows Governor Abbott’s call for assistance from other states two years ago. In response, Republican-led states provided additional troops, law enforcement, and equipment to aid in the border security effort.

Border Patrol and National Guard Working Together

El Paso Sector Interim Chief Walter N. Slosar praised the National Guard’s new role, stating:

“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. Together, they secure our borders with the strength and commitment the American people deserve. We are proud to serve beside them in this mission.”