The state of Texas is ramping up its border security initiatives in collaboration with the Trump administration, signaling a significant shift in the relationship between Austin and Washington, D.C.
Our news partner ABC13 Houston reports that top Texas officials, including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Gov. Greg Abbott, are actively working with federal authorities to address border concerns.
Gov. Abbott recently announced the deployment of the “Texas Tactical Border Force,” which includes over 400 additional soldiers, C-130 aircraft, and Chinook helicopters. These resources will bolster the thousands of Texas National Guard members already stationed at the border, working in tandem with U.S. Border Patrol agents to strengthen enforcement.
Lt. Gov. Patrick emphasized the cooperative dynamic, stating, “We will be working with President Trump to secure the border as fast as it can be done.” Patrick noted that both he and Abbott have direct lines of communication with the former president, enabling swift collaboration on border policies.
Constitutional law expert Josh Blackman from South Texas College of Law explained that while border protection and immigration are typically federal responsibilities, exceptions exist. “A state could declare an invasion, as Abbott has done, or the federal government could deputize a state to assist in border enforcement,” Blackman said.
This approach contrasts sharply with the stance taken during the Biden administration, where Texas often found itself at odds with federal border policies. Under the Trump administration, Texas officials appear to be leveraging their relationship with the White House to play a more active role in securing the southern border.
Keep up with news on the U.S-Mexico border with us on Que Onda Magazine.
