Operation Lone Star Seizes Over 300 Million Lethal Doses Of Fentanyl, Continues To Secure The Border
Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Texas National Guard are continuing to work together to secure the border, stop the smuggling of drugs, weapons, and people into Texas, and prevent, detect, and interdict transnational criminal behavior between ports of entry in response to the federal government's unwillingness to address the border crisis.
Since the launch of Operation Lone Star, multi-agency efforts have led to more than 236,000 migrant apprehensions, along with almost 14,000 criminal arrests — and more than 11,300 felony charges. Over 3,800 weapons and almost $30 million in currency have been seized. In the fight against fentanyl, DPS has seized over 300 million lethal doses throughout the state.
Operation Lone Star continues to fill the dangerous gaps left by the Biden Administration's refusal to secure the border. Every individual who is apprehended or arrested and every ounce of drugs seized would have otherwise made their way into communities across Texas and the nation due to President Biden's open border policies.
RECENT HIGHLIGHTS FROM OPERATION LONE STAR:
WATCH: Governor Abbott Talks Border Security With Tucker Carlson
Governor Abbott spoke with Tucker Carlson on the State of Texas' efforts to secure the border in the wake of Biden's continued inaction.
Governor Abbott Secures Deals With Four Mexican Governors To Address Border Crisis
Last week, Governor Abbott signed four memoranda of understanding (MOU) with the governors of Nuevo León, Tamaulipas, Chihuahua, and Coahuila. These MOUs enhance border security measures that will prevent illegal immigration from Mexico to Texas and improve the flow of traffic across international bridges. The agreements went into effect immediately.
WATCH: DPS Warns Border Crisis Will 'Escalate' With Lifting Of Title 42: 'The Message Is Out'
DPS Lt. Christopher Olivarez joined 'America's Newsroom' to discuss the latest on the border crisis and the implications of rescinding the COVID-related policy.
WATCH: DPS Rescues Stranded Woman Abandoned By Smugglers
Fox News' Sara Carter joined DPS at the border, where they encountered a woman abandoned by smugglers.
DPS Rescue 21 Immigrants Smuggled In Crate By Gang Member
DPS Troopers rescued 21 illegal immigrants who were being smuggled inside wooden crates earlier this month. The driver, a confirmed criminal gang member and passenger were arrested for human smuggling.
FOOTAGE: DPS Arrest Smugglers, Apprehend Gang-Affiliated Immigrant
Earlier this month in Hidalgo County, DPS conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle towing a gooseneck trailer carrying hay bales and cattle. It was discovered that the driver was attempting to smuggle 12 illegal immigrants in a hidden compartment within the hay bales. One of the immigrants is a confirmed Paisa gang member and stash house coordinator. A total of three suspects were arrested for human smuggling and organized crime.
CBS NEWS: A Look At Operation Lone Star
CBS News rides along with DPS to learn more about the State of Texas' efforts to secure the border and keep Texans safe.
Operation Drawbridges Receives Recognition
Task Force East drawbridge teams were awarded a DPS Unit Citation at their headquarters in Austin on April 14. This operation was part of a joint mission within Operation Lone Star.
Incoming Commander Tours Operation Lone Star Camps
Operation Lone Star commander Brig. Gen. Win Burkett toured troop base camps along the border this past week. Burkett, who recently took command of both the TXARNG’s 36th Infantry Division and OLS, met with multiple task forces at various locations near Laredo, Texas. The task forces shared a snapshot of their ongoing operations and current living conditions to provide the new commander with accurate information as he continues his initial assessment of the mission.
DPS, Texas National Guard Brush Teams Apprehend Unlawful Migrants
Members of Operation Lone Star’s elite brush patrol teams apprehended dozens of migrants from April 10-15 in Jim Hogg County. Over several days, Texas National Guard troops assisted DPS troopers, Border Patrol agents, and Texas Game Wardens in tracking illegal migrants as they attempted to illegally avoid Border Patrol checkpoints.
Texas National Guardsmen Arrest Smugglers, Seize Deadly Drugs
Texas Guardsmen tracked down and apprehend three illegal migrants smuggling narcotics on April 14, 2022, near Brownsville. The effort led to the arrest of three men, including one whom had an outstanding warrant for narcotics, as well as the seizure of 140.2 pounds of cannabis.