Texas to Migrants: "Don't Rush the Border - We're Ready For You"
Concerns about a "migrant rush" before President-elect Trump takes office.
Texas is beefing up the visibility of State Troopers and Troops along its border with Mexico - a show of force intended to deter any migrants or human smuggling organizations who may be considering a "border rush" before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office.
The state is openly conducting "mass migration" drills involving both Texas law enforcement officers and military members along the Rio Grande border to send a message to those on the other side of the river:
"Texas remains ready for any potential surge at the border by reinforcing vulnerable areas along the border with Department of Public Safety (officers) and Texas Military forces, resulting in deterrence & prevention by reducing illegal border crossings. Those efforts have led to an 86% decrease in unlawful border crossings between the ports of entry." - Lt. Chris Olivarez, Texas Dept. of Public Safety (Nov. 12, 2024)
The most recent drill occurred on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, along the Texas-Mexico border in Brownsville:
"The DPS (is conducting) Mass Migration Response exercises in strategic areas along the border to deter illegal border crossings and proactively respond to any potential surge of mass migration. DPS is working alongside our partners with the Texas Military, and we stand ready to hold the line at the southern border and protect Texas communities." - Texas Dept. of Public Safety Statement (Nov. 12, 2024)
The state is also posting videos of its preparedness for "mass migration" incidents on the internet to send a clear message to migrants and human smugglers: "Don't try it - We're ready."
In addition to drills at the river's edge, Texas National Guard troops are also conducting highly visible exercises in front of the Border Wall.
In addition to these exercises, Texas troops assigned to the "Operation Lone Star" border security mission are also fortifying border barriers to deter illegal crossings into the state.
Jessica Vaughan, director of policy studies at Washington-based Center for Immigration Studies, told The Washington Examiner that Texas has reason to worry about - and prepare for - a possible "migrant rush" along its border with Mexico:
“There’s a potential for us to see an onslaught at the border of people trying to get in under the wire. And we know that there are caravans approaching,” - Jessica Vaughan, Center for Immigration Studies
Migrants have rushed Texas National Guard troops at its border before. On March 21, 2024, a mob broke through barbed wire barriers in El Paso and clashed with Texas soldiers who attempted to turn them back toward the Rio Grande.
The Texas troops will eventually get reinforcements. President-elect Trump has promised to send federal troops to the border:
"Upon my inauguration, I will immediately terminate every open borders policy of the Biden administration. I'll make clear that we must use any and all resources needed to stop the invasion, including moving thousands of troops currently stationed overseas." -President-Elect Donald Trump (September 20, 2023)
Until then, Texas holds the line.
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