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Texas Is One Step Closer To Border Security Reimbursement

Earlier this month, Governor Abbott shared a photo on X, formerly known as Twitter, of Texas National Guard soldiers working with federal partners to patrol the Texas-Mexico border near Roma. Photo Governor Abbott from X
Earlier this month, Governor Abbott shared a photo on X, formerly known as Twitter, of Texas National Guard soldiers working with federal partners to patrol the Texas-Mexico border near Roma. Photo Governor Abbott from X

AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Texas National Guard continue to work together with the Trump Administration to secure the border; stop the smuggling of drugs, weapons, and people into Texas; and prevent, detect, and interdict transnational criminal activity between ports of entry.  
 
Since the launch of Operation Lone Star, the multi-agency effort has led to over 533,400 illegal immigrant apprehensions and more than 53,900 criminal arrests, with more than 45,400 felony charges. In the fight against the fentanyl crisis, Texas law enforcement has seized over 726 million lethal doses of fentanyl—enough to kill every man, woman, and child in the United States, Mexico, and Canada combined during this border mission.
 
Operation Lone Star continues working to undo the damage done by the Biden Administration. 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 open border policies.     
 
RECENT HIGHLIGHTS FROM OPERATION LONE STAR:

Governor Abbott: U.S. House Designates $12 Billion For Border Reimbursement

Governor Abbott yesterday thanked the United States House of Representatives for designating $12 billion in President Donald J. Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill to reimburse states for the money spent defending the country from former President Joe Biden’s border crisis. 

“Former President Biden’s reckless open border policies left Texas and the rest of America defenseless against an unprecedented surge of illegal immigration, requiring Texas to hold the line,” said Governor Abbott. “I will continue working with the U.S. Senate, Texas Congressional Delegation, and President Trump to ensure Texas is fully reimbursed for doing the federal government’s job to secure the border.”

Read the full press release here. 


Governor Abbott: Texas Works Closely With Trump Administration To Secure Border

Earlier this month, Governor Abbott shared a photo on X, formerly known as Twitter, of Texas National Guard soldiers working with federal partners to patrol the Texas-Mexico border near Roma. 

Texas continues to work closely with the Trump Administration to secure the southern border to keep Texas and America safe.


Governor Abbott: Texas National Guard Apprehend Illegal Immigrant

Yesterday, Governor Abbott took to X to highlight Texas National Guard soldiers apprehending an illegal immigrant attempting to enter the United States. 

Since President Trump took office, illegal border crossings have decreased by 99.9%. 


WATCH: DPS Arrests Human Smuggler, Illegal Immigrants 

Photo: Texas DPS

On May 9, a smuggler in a white Dodge Challenger led DPS troopers on a high-speed vehicle pursuit on IH-35 in Webb County.

During the pursuit, the smuggler, Humberto Misael Garcia, of Laredo, recklessly evaded troopers, reaching speeds of 100 mph through neighborhoods. Garcia crashed into a wall, then continued to evade for several miles before disregarding a traffic light and crashing into another vehicle. He then bailed out of the vehicle and led troopers on a short foot pursuit. DPS troopers eventually deployed a taser to end the pursuit.

Garcia was arrested and charged with smuggling of persons, evading arrest, failure to stop and render aid, and reckless driving. Four illegal immigrants were located inside the vehicle and referred to Border Patrol.


WATCH: DPS Arrests Human Smuggler, Illegal Immigrants In Val Verde County

Photo: Texas DPS

Last weekend, a DPS trooper conducted a traffic stop on a gray Cadillac ATS on US-277 in Val Verde County.

During the stop, the driver, Kevin Andres Ramirez, of Dallas, consented to a search of the vehicle. The trooper then discovered two illegal immigrants, from Mexico, inside the trunk of the vehicle who were sweating profusely due to extreme heat and limited ventilation.

Ramirez was arrested on human smuggling charges, and the two illegal immigrants were referred to Border Patrol.


DPS, Border Patrol Seize 72 Lbs. Of Marijuana, Apprehend Teenage Smugglers

Photo: Texas DPS

Two weeks ago, as part of a joint anti-smuggling operation under Operation Lone Star, DPS troopers and Border Patrol Agents seized 72 lbs. of marijuana and apprehended three teenage smugglers, from Mexico, in Cameron County.

DPS troopers charged one of the smugglers, Octavio Medina-Contreras, 17, with felony marijuana possession. The two other smugglers, both juveniles, were referred to Border Patrol.


Texas National Guard Installs Barrier On DoD Land For First Time

Photo: Texas Military Department

This week, Texas National Guard soldiers and engineer teams working on Operation Lone Star began construction on land owned by the Department of Defense to reinforce border fencing with razor wire and anti-climb barriers for the first time.

The anti-climb barriers will be used to enhance border security while serving as a visual deterrent and complex obstacle for migrants attempting to cross into the United States illegally.

Border Patrol requested the new barriers along high-traffic areas, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen physical deterrents and improve border security infrastructure. The additional razor wire and anti-climb barrier will help deter illegal entries and enhance the ability of Border Patrol agents to catch anyone trying to illegally cross from Mexico into Texas.   


WATCH: Texas National Guard Soldiers Conduct Boat Patrols

Photo: Texas Military Department

Texas National Guard boat response teams work around-the-clock to assist Operation Lone Star partners to secure the Texas-Mexico border. Special Agent Sebastian Casares, stationed in Rio Grande Valley, highlights the critical functions that the river patrols play to locate and apprehend illegal immigrants.

“We are on the Rio Grande River to prevent, deter, and interdict any illegal activity happening on the Texas border,” said Special Agent Casares. “Our goal is to not let anybody cross, and while you are on the boats I feel like they see you and they automatically think ‘they are going to catch me.'” 

SpaceX Starship’s Ninth Test Flight Launch, Today May 27th

SpaceX is targeting Tuesday, May 27 for the ninth integrated flight test of Starship from Starbase in Cameron County, Texas. The 60-minute test window opens at 6:30 p.m. CT. Image source: SpaceX
SpaceX is targeting Tuesday, May 27 for the ninth integrated flight test of Starship from Starbase in Cameron County, Texas. The 60-minute test window opens at 6:30 p.m. CT. Image source: SpaceX

SpaceX is targeting Tuesday, May 27 for the ninth integrated flight test of Starship from Starbase in Cameron County, Texas. The 60-minute test window opens at 6:30 p.m. CT. 

Residents of Cameron County and those in the nearby area may hear a loud noise resulting from the rocket’s 33 Raptor engines firing upon ignition and as the vehicle launches toward space, but what people experience will depend on weather and other conditions. 

SpaceX’s live webcast will go live approximately 30 minutes before liftoff at spacex.com/launches. Live updates will also be available on X @SpaceX.

Information source: SpaceX

Texas Abolishes Lottery Commission Following $95 Million Jackpot Scandal

Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick. Image FB screenshot
Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick. Image FB screenshot

Texas Border Business

Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has announced the passage of Senate Bill 3070, a sweeping legislation that officially abolishes the Texas Lottery Commission. The measure comes in response to what Patrick called “one of the biggest heists ever,” involving a $95 million jackpot allegedly won through questionable practices by a lottery courier service in 2023.

“Remember, in 2023, a courier service took orders from one person for $26,000,001 tickets and won a $95 million jackpot, basically stealing money from all Texans,” Patrick said through a video posted on Facebook. “Well, here we are today. I promised you we would eliminate it if we couldn’t guarantee the lottery commission was an operation you could trust. And that’s what we did today.”

The bill, authored by Senator Bob Hall, transfers all operational authority of the state lottery to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Under the new law, the TDLR will oversee lottery operations during a two-year trial period. The lottery may be permanently shut down if the new system fails to meet transparency and accountability expectations.

MISSING: Gary Grief, former Executive Director of the Texas Lottery Commission. Last seen following the controversial $95 million jackpot scandal. If you have any information, contact the Texas Rangers immediately.

Patrick emphasized the depth of the changes. “We’ve abolished the lottery commission,” he said. “We’re moving operations from the state lottery to the Department of Licensing and Regulation.” The legislation also bans all lottery courier services and limits ticket sales to 100 tickets per transaction. “No more people buying thousands or millions of tickets to try and steal a jackpot,” Patrick noted.

Senate Bill 3070 introduces criminal penalties for violating lottery rules and allows top state officials— including the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and speaker of the house— to serve as authorized inspectors. “It authorizes the governor, myself, the attorney general, and the speaker as inspectors,” Patrick stated. “So now I’ll be a lottery inspector, and I can drop in and go anywhere I want to make sure everything is up and up.”

The bill directly responds to the controversy surrounding the 2023 jackpot, which a lottery courier company facilitated. Patrick was denied entry when he attempted to visit one of these courier locations earlier this year. “They wouldn’t let me in the back room to even look at what was going on,” he recalled. “They wouldn’t let me in the back or front door or behind the door or the wall.”

Former Texas Lottery Commission Executive Director Gary Grief is a central figure in the unfolding investigation. Patrick confirmed that law enforcement is actively seeking him. “We’re still looking for someone named Gary Grief, the former executive director who’s disappeared ever since that winning ticket for $95 million was sold through a courier service,” he said. “If you know where he is, let us know. The Texas Rangers would love to talk to him.”

Patrick also highlighted that investigations remain ongoing. “The Texas Ranger investigations by Greg Abbott and myself are continuing,” he stated, signaling continued scrutiny into the former commission’s actions and individuals involved.

While the lottery will continue for now, it does so under a strict new framework. “For those of you who like playing the lottery, we’re giving it a two-year trial under a new agency,” Patrick said. “That will strictly enforce these rules and correct everything wrong with the lottery commission for several years.”

Senate Bill 3070 represents one of the most significant overhauls of a state lottery system in U.S. history. With new restrictions in place, a different agency in charge, and a high-profile manhunt underway, Texas has sent a clear message: integrity and transparency in lottery operations are no longer optional.

Cornyn Backs Creation of Texas Stock Exchange

“If approved, the TXSE will bolster competition in all areas of the exchange business, including listings, trading technology, market structure, market data, and market connectivity,” wrote Sen. Cornyn. Image for illustration purposes
“If approved, the TXSE will bolster competition in all areas of the exchange business, including listings, trading technology, market structure, market data, and market connectivity,” wrote Sen. Cornyn. Image for illustration purposes

AUSTIN – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) sent a letter to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) expressing his strong support for the Texas Stock Exchange’s (TXSE) application to operate as a National Securities Exchange:

“If approved, the TXSE will bolster competition in all areas of the exchange business, including listings, trading technology, market structure, market data, and market connectivity,” wrote Sen. Cornyn.

“Texas is emerging as a new global business and financial hub. The Lone Star State leads the nation in economic development, job growth, and corporate relocations. I believe that TXSE’s plan to expand the public capital markets beyond New York would complement Texas’ diverse pro-business culture,” he continued.

“The TXSE has significant potential to take the U.S. economy to new heights, providing entrepreneurs and businesses with new opportunities for advancement and increased investment,” he concluded.

The full text of the letter is available here and below.

May 22, 2025

Ms. Vanessa Countryman 

Secretary  

Securities and Exchange Commission

100 F Street NE 

Washington, DC 20549-1091 

Dear Ms. Countryman:

I am writing to express my support for the Texas Stock Exchange’s (TXSE) application for approval as a National Securities Exchange.  

As a member of the United States Senate Finance Committee, I recognize the importance of creating a financial environment that fosters economic production, entrepreneurship, and job growth. During my time in the U.S. Senate, I have focused on enacting commonsense policies that enhance our nation’s business climate, strengthen our financial system, and ensure that the U.S. economy remains the strongest in the world. 

Competition is the foundation of America’s capital markets. Unfortunately, the number of publicly traded companies have significantly declined over the past 25 years, limiting public investment opportunities and decreasing competition. Establishing a new exchange will give issuers more options to drive innovation and improve capital formation. If approved, the TXSE will bolster competition in all areas of the exchange business, including listings, trading technology, market structure, market data, and market connectivity. 

Texas is emerging as a new global business and financial hub. The Lone Star State leads the nation in economic development, job growth, and corporate relocations. I believe that TXSE’s plan to expand the public capital markets beyond New York would complement Texas’ diverse pro-business culture. The TXSE has significant potential to take the U.S. economy to new heights, providing entrepreneurs and businesses with new opportunities for advancement and increased investment.  

I am grateful for this opportunity to express my views on the TXSE’s application and encourage SEC approval. 

Sincerely,

Senator John Cornyn

U.S. Senator

277 Charged in Operation Take Back America Immigration Crackdown

A total of 277 cases have been filed from May 16-22 in border-security related matters in the Southern District of Texas. Image for illustration purposes
A total of 277 cases have been filed from May 16-22 in border-security related matters in the Southern District of Texas. Image for illustration purposes

U.S. Department of Justice

HOUSTON – A total of 277 cases have been filed from May 16-22 in border-security related matters in the Southern District of Texas.

The filed cases include 21 involving human smuggling. A total of 165 people are charged with illegally entering the country, while another 88 face charges of felony reentry after prior removal. Most of those individuals have prior felonies such as narcotics, violent crime, immigration crimes and more. Other relevant cases charged this week relate to other immigration crimes.

These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) – Homeland Security Investigations, ICE – Enforcement and Removal Operations, Border Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.

The cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for this district. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal history, including human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children. 

The Southern District of Texas remains one of the busiest in the nation. It represents 43 counties and more than nine million people covering 44,000 square miles. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from all seven divisions including Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen and Laredo work directly with our law enforcement partners on the federal, state and local levels to prosecute the suspected offenders of these and other federal crimes. 

An indictment or criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

Cornyn Thankful for Disaster Declaration for South Texas

U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement thanking President Donald J. Trump for approving Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Texas following severe flooding in Cameron, Willacy, Starr, and Hidalgo counties in late March. Image for illustration purposes
U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement thanking President Donald J. Trump for approving Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Texas following severe flooding in Cameron, Willacy, Starr, and Hidalgo counties in late March. Image for illustration purposes

AUSTIN – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement thanking President Donald J. Trump for approving Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Texas following severe flooding in Cameron, Willacy, Starr, and Hidalgo counties in late March. This comes after the Senator wrote to the President in support of the request. 

“The Rio Grande Valley endured devastating floods and severe storms that severely damaged Texans’ homes and businesses, and I thank President Trump for approving this request for federal disaster relief to be sent to the region,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I will continue to stay in touch with state and local officials to ensure South Texas has the resources and assistance it needs to recover and rebuild.”

Congressman Gonzalez Thanks President Trump for RGV Federal Disaster Declaration 

Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) thanked President Trump for issuing a disaster declaration for Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy Counties in response to flooding and rain that devastated the region in March of this year. Image for illustration purposes
Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) thanked President Trump for issuing a disaster declaration for Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy Counties in response to flooding and rain that devastated the region in March of this year. Image for illustration purposes

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) thanked President Trump for issuing a disaster declaration for Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy Counties in response to flooding and rain that devastated the region in March of this year. The Congressman, in concert with local officials across the 34th Congressional District, requested federal relief for the Rio Grande Valley following widespread property damage to the area.  

“I thank President Trump for granting a major disaster declaration for our region,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “I hope that FEMA will swiftly deliver desperately needed aid and relief to our communities. I will continue to work with federal, state and local officials to ensure those affected by this disaster receive the necessary resources to begin the recovery and rebuilding process.” 

This declaration comes after an April 29, 2025, letter Congressman Gonzalez sent where he urged the President to immediately issue a declaration and empower FEMA to dispense urgently needed assistance. Congressman Gonzalez wrote to Texas Governor Greg Abbott on March 28, 2025, urging him to issue a disaster declaration, and an April 17, 2025, letter from Governor Abbott to President Trump, requesting a Presidential Disaster Declaration. South Texans have been waiting over two months for a determination and final decision from the Trump administration.   

President Donald J. Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Texas

The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties. Image for illustration purposes
The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties. Image for illustration purposes

WASHINGTON — FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Texas to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms and flooding from March 26–28, 2025.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties. 

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-interest loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Maona N. Ngwira has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further assessments.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas should first file a claim with their insurance provider and then apply for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA App. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, provide FEMA the number for that service.

Information Source: FEMA

Memorial Day Weekend Safety Tips

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Many people will spend the upcoming Memorial Day weekend taking a road trip, having their first picnic of the season or enjoying that first dip in the ocean or pool. Image for illustration purposes
Many people will spend the upcoming Memorial Day weekend taking a road trip, having their first picnic of the season or enjoying that first dip in the ocean or pool. Image for illustration purposes

American Red Cross

Many people will spend the upcoming Memorial Day weekend taking a road trip, having their first picnic of the season or enjoying that first dip in the ocean or pool. Follow these American Red Cross tips to stay safe.

WATER SAFETY

 The following tips are layers of protection that will help people stay safe in, on and around the water:

· Do your part, be water smart! Ensure that everyone in the family learns to swim well.

· Adults: actively supervise children; stay within arm’s reach of young children and newer swimmers. And kids: follow the rules.

· Don’t fool with a pool: fence it in. Enclose your pool and spa with four-sided, four-foot fencing and use self-closing, self-latching gates. 

· Swim as a pair near a lifeguard’s chair – everyone, including experienced swimmers, should swim with a buddy in areas protected by lifeguards.

· Reach or throw, don’t go! Know what to do to help someone in trouble, without endangering yourself; know how and when to call 9-1-1; and know CPR.

· Don’t just pack it; wear your U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket – always when on a boat and if in a situation beyond your skill level. Inflatable children’s toys and water wings can be fun, but they are no substitute for a life jacket and adult supervision.

DRIVING SAFETY

· Be well rested and alert, use your seat belts, observe speed limits and follow the rules of the road.

· If you plan on drinking alcohol, designate a driver who won’t drink.

· Give your full attention to the road. Avoid distractions such as cell phones.

· Use caution in work zones. There are lots of construction projects underway on the highways.

· Don’t follow other vehicles too closely.

· Make frequent stops. 

· Clean your vehicle’s lights and windows to help you see, especially at night. Turn your headlights on as dusk approaches, or during inclement weather. Don’t overdrive your headlights.

· Don’t let your vehicle’s gas tank get too low. If you have car trouble, pull as far as possible off the highway.

· Carry a Disaster Supplies Kit in your trunk.

· Let someone know where you are going, your route and when you expect to get there. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.

GRILLING SAFETY

· Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.

· Never grill indoors – not in your house, camper, tent, or any enclosed area.

· Make sure everyone, including the pets, stays away from the grill.

· Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire. 

· Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe.

· Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.

· Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using grills.

DOWNLOAD RED CROSS APPS The Red Cross app “Emergency” can help keep you and your loved ones safe by putting vital information in your hand for more than 35 different severe weather and emergency alerts. The Red Cross Swim App promotes water safety education and helps parents and caregivers of young people learning how to swim. The Red Cross First Aid App puts instant access to information on handling the most common first aid emergencies at your fingertips. Download these free apps by searching for ‘American Red Cross’ in your app store or at redcross.org/apps.

U.S. Border Patrol Honors Fallen Heroes

U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector along with other law enforcement agencies honored the men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol who lost their lives while protecting the nation in a special memorial ceremony held today at the National Border Patrol Museum. USCBP Image
U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector along with other law enforcement agencies honored the men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol who lost their lives while protecting the nation in a special memorial ceremony held today at the National Border Patrol Museum. USCBP Image

EL PASO, TEXAS — U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector along with other law enforcement agencies honored the men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol who lost their lives while protecting the nation in a special memorial ceremony held today at the National Border Patrol Museum.

USCBP image

U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector Interim Chief Patrol Agent, Walter N. Slosar, and other high-ranking officials were on hand to pay tribute and offer words of comfort to the family members of the fallen agents.

“Today’s memorial stands as a solemn tribute, honoring the unwavering dedication and ultimate sacrifice of our fallen Border Patrol agents,” said U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector Interim Chief Patrol Agent, Walter N. Slosar. “The memories of our agents are forever imprinted in our hearts and are a constant reminder of their heroic service in safeguarding our nation’s borders.”

USCBP image

Since its inception on May 28, 1924, the U.S. Border Patrol has seen the passing of 159 agents in the line of duty. During the ceremony, all 159 names were read aloud followed by the somber ringing of a bell and a 21-gun salute.  A helicopter fly-over from U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, El Paso Air Branch, was performed. The aerial tribute was followed by the clicking hooves of a rider less horse saluted by all uniformed personnel. The ceremony concluded with the retirement of the colors by the El Paso Sector’s Border Patrol Honor Guard.

USCBP image

The El Paso Sector memorial ceremony for fallen agents is an annual event held on or near the anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Border Patrol. The first U.S. Border Patrol Station was established in El Paso.