As part of an ongoing mission to fight illegal activities and secure the border, Texas authorities, in collaboration with federal agencies, have made major progress under Operation Lone Star.
According to Governor Greg Abbott’s office, this operation has led to the apprehension of more than 532,800 people suspected of immigration violations and over 52,900 criminal arrests, with 44,800 felony charges filed since the operation began.
Arrest of a Mexican Mafia Member
One notable recent success was the arrest of John Henry Romero, a wanted member of the Mexican Mafia. Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers caught Romero after a high-speed chase.
He was found traveling with four individuals from Mexico, including a minor. Romero now faces charges related to smuggling and evading arrest.
Authorities highlight Romero’s arrest as part of the larger effort to push back against what they describe as “open border policies,” which they believe allow criminals and illegal drugs to reach communities across Texas.
Capture of a Most Wanted Criminal Illegal Immigrant
Earlier this month, DPS agents also arrested Carlos Venegas Ortiz, who was on Texas’ 10 Most Wanted Criminal Illegal Immigrants list. Ortiz had been wanted in Tarrant County for the continuous sexual abuse of a child.
His arrest took place in Haltom City, thanks to the cooperation of multiple law enforcement agencies, including local police and the U.S. Marshals North Texas Fugitive Task Force.
K-9 Units Play a Key Role in Border Operations
Texas DPS K-9 units have been crucial to Operation Lone Star’s success. One standout K-9, named Bona, and her handler have helped track down groups of individuals attempting to cross the border illegally through rugged areas in Maverick, Dimmit, and Webb counties.
In one impressive case, K-9 Bona helped track a group of people over nearly two miles in Webb County, leading to their arrest. Stories like these show just how important K-9 teams are to Texas’ border security efforts.
Seizing Dangerous Drugs Before They Reach Communities
On the fight against drug trafficking, DPS Special Agents made a significant drug bust on April 13 at the Paso Del Norte Port of Entry in El Paso. They seized three bundles containing fentanyl pills and methamphetamine.
One individual was arrested on charges related to controlled substances. By stopping these drugs from reaching Texas neighborhoods, agents are directly helping to protect the community.
Texas National Guard’s Support and Training
Besides DPS efforts, the Texas National Guard is playing an important supporting role. Soldiers are participating in ride-alongs with Border Patrol agents and training hard to be prepared for any situation.
One soldier, Private First Class Jacob Carruth, was recently praised for his dedication to training. “I train every day regardless of the best warrior competition to be as lethal as I can in combat,” he said in a statement from the Office of the Texas Governor.
Their ongoing training and commitment help ensure that Texas remains ready to respond quickly and effectively to any threat at the border.