Texas Border Business
In the past few weeks the Rio Grande Valley has experienced a humanitarian crisis as a surge of children and families from Central America have overwhelmed our communities. The thousands of immigrants being detained in border patrol facilities and makeshift shelters in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions have incited concerns and a critical sense of urgency to respond to this unfortunate situation.
Although ultimately a federal responsibility, this is a humanitarian issue and one that our residents along the border have to manage. We need to ensure the safety of our citizens, support the strained resources of our local law enforcement, and protect the public health. Our local public officials are coordinating efforts to respond to the basic humanitarian needs of the influx of immigrant children and families.
Late yesterday, Governor Perry, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and House Speaker Joe Straus directed DPS to begin a law enforcement surge along the border area. The purpose of this operation and the millions in funding is to have more DPS troopers where their focus will be on security gaps that are left open by federal agents who are overwhelmed dealing with a large number of immigrants. This will ensure drug smugglers and human traffickers do not take advantage of this situation.
DPS will not be conducting traffic checkpoints and will not be involved in immigration enforcement. Ultimately, the safety and security of our families in the Valley is of the utmost importance and these DPS funds are helping to address our concerns.
