- The Texas National Guard can now join the Trump administration in its ongoing immigration crackdown. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced the news late Sunday night, Feb. 2, via social media.
- Abbott said the move is meant to boost border security.
- Reports indicated about 3,000 guard members will assist the federal government when their duties begin.
The Texas National Guard will now participate in the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration. Gov. Greg Abbott announced the move on social media Sunday, Feb. 2.
What did Abbott say?
“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,” Abbott posted to X.
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Abbott said the move will boost border security effective immediately.
How many guards will Abbott provide?
The new agreement would grant soldiers the authority to conduct roving patrols and fulfill the duties of an immigration agent, provided that they are accompanied by a federal immigration officer or Border Patrol agent.
According to Newsweek, this new authorization adds about 3,000 Texas Army National Guard soldiers to the ranks of those now assisting the federal government in immigration enforcement.
What else has Texas done to assist the Trump administration?
Back in January, Abbott signed five executive orders directing state agencies to assist the Trump administration in deportation efforts.
The partnership mandates state agencies to assist federal officers in carrying out these duties.
It also requires agencies to help build barriers along the border with Mexico, share intelligence on organizations such as Mexican drug cartels and identify detention facilities to house migrants believed to be in the country illegally.
