Texas DPS Officers in Operation Lone Star | Screengrab from video on Operation Lone Star website
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered state police to surge resources to the Mexican border on Monday amid escalating cartel violence.
The directive mobilizes Texas Rangers, highway patrol units, and tactical teams to prevent criminal spillover into Texas communities. The enhanced security measures come as drug cartels intensify operations across Mexico, raising concerns about threats to American civilians. Abbott’s order represents the latest escalation in Texas’ ongoing border security efforts.
“Mexican drug cartels pose a significant threat to public safety and national security,” said Abbott. “By increasing proactive efforts to defend against cartel violence, Texas will continue to utilize every tool and strategy to protect our state and our nation.”
The governor added: “We will not cower to criminals who impose terror on our fellow Texans and Americans.”
Under Abbott’s directive, the Department of Public Safety will deploy additional Highway Patrol troopers and Texas Rangers to border regions. Special operations teams will focus on detecting and apprehending criminals attempting to cross into Texas.
Marine units will increase patrols along the Rio Grande. Aircraft operations will expand surveillance flights to monitor suspicious border activity.
The state’s intelligence apparatus is also ramping up operations. Personnel from the Homeland Security Division and Texas Fusion Center will monitor social media and suspicious activity reports around the clock.
Texas officials established emergency contact numbers for residents needing assistance. Citizens can reach the Texas Fusion Center at 1-844-927-0521 or the State Department at 1-888-407-4747.
On Sunday, Abbott urged Texans traveling in Mexico to follow State Department warnings about security operations and road blockages. The advisory extends to those with family members currently in the country.
The deployment marks Texas’ latest response to border security concerns. Abbott has previously deployed National Guard troops and initiated the Operation Lone Star border mission.