From Texastribune · · 1m 40s
Greg Abbott Keeps Border Emergency Order
Texas governor renews border security emergency despite drop in crossings.
In brief
Texas governor renews border security emergency despite drop in crossings. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott renewed a border security emergency order despite a significant drop in illegal crossings, claiming it remains an ongoing threat. Originally reported by Texastribune.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott renewed a border security emergency order despite a significant drop in illegal crossings.
Border Security Emergency
Abbott’s declaration stands in sharp contrast to Trump administration reports of unprecedented migrant drops.
69 Renewals
Abbott has renewed or amended the border emergency proclamation at least 69 times since 2021.
Noncompetitive Contracts
DPS and Texas Military Department awarded over $5 million in noncompetitive contracts for border security.
Operation Lone Star
Abbott launched Operation Lone Star in March 2021 to address smuggling and illegal crossings.
Border Crossings Drop
Apprehensions dropped from 180,000 monthly in 2021 to about 8,000 this year.
Border Policy Claims
Abbott claims border policies under Biden created a humanitarian crisis with increased cartel violence.
State Funding
Texas budgeted over $11 billion during Biden’s term and an additional $3 billion under Trump.
Noncompetitive Contracts
DPS and Texas Military Department awarded at least six noncompetitive contracts for border security.
State Response
State lawmakers have tried but failed to curb Abbott’s emergency powers under the state’s disaster act.
Abbott’s Stance
Abbott insists border security work is not over and must be maintained forever.
Criticism
State Rep. Mary González says border security funding lacks checks and balances under the emergency declaration.
The bottom line
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott renewed a border security emergency order despite a significant drop in illegal crossings, claiming it remains an ongoing threat.
