Texas Governor Greg Abbott has authorized Texas National Guard soldiers at the state’s southern border to arrest individuals who enter the U.S. without authorization, under a new agreement with the Trump administration. The move is part of Abbott’s broader strategy to strengthen border security and aligns with the administration’s hardline immigration policies.
The memorandum of understanding was signed by Abbott and Pete Flores, acting commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It grants Guard troops the authority to perform certain federal immigration enforcement duties under CBP supervision. The financial burden for this new policy will be borne by Texas. According to the agreement, CBP reserves the right to revoke the authority of any Guard soldier.
“This boosts manpower for border security,” Abbott announced on social media, declaring the policy effective immediately. He emphasized that the initiative enhances the state’s ability to secure its southern border, which has been a focal point of his administration.
Abbott’s latest move builds on previous orders, including a 2022 directive allowing Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers to arrest immigrants and hand them over to federal authorities. Last week, Abbott issued five executive orders instructing state agencies to increase efforts to identify, arrest, and deport immigrants who are in the country without legal documentation. These orders included intelligence sharing on criminal organizations like the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and transnational cartels, as well as plans to reinforce border barriers with razor wire and buoys.
The governor’s border initiative, Operation Lone Star, launched in 2021, has grown into an $11 billion enterprise involving the construction of miles of unconnected border walls, establishing a military base, and transporting immigrants to Democratic-led cities across the U.S. Texas lawmakers are considering adding $6.5 billion to further fund the initiative, and Abbott has formally asked Congress to reimburse the state’s expenses.
Since returning to office, President Donald Trump has reinforced his hardline stance on immigration, enacting measures such as revoking birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants. A federal judge has temporarily halted that order pending constitutional review. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has also intensified enforcement, with recent raids resulting in over 3,100 arrests of undocumented individuals with felony convictions.
Trump’s policies have sparked protests across the nation. On Monday, a social media-driven campaign called “A Day Without Immigrants” led to widespread demonstrations, shop closures, and street marches in cities such as Washington, D.C., Chicago, New York, Denver, and Austin. Protesters voiced concerns about the impact of these policies on immigrant communities, calling for more humane solutions to border security.
“This is not just about border security—it’s about human rights,” said Maria López, a community organizer at a rally in Austin. Critics argue that the policies promote fear and discrimination, while human rights advocates warn against the militarization of border enforcement. “Military personnel are not trained to handle complex immigration cases,” noted Jacob Rivera of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). “This sets a dangerous precedent.”
Supporters of the policy, however, argue that stricter enforcement is necessary to curb illegal immigration and combat organized crime. They cite increased arrests and drug seizures as evidence of the effectiveness of heightened border security measures.
Abbott remains resolute in his commitment to these policies, asserting that the state has a right to defend its borders. “We will do whatever it takes to protect Texans,” he stated at a press conference. However, residents of border communities have expressed mixed reactions. “We want safety, but we also want compassion for those seeking a better life,” said Javier Morales, a business owner in Laredo.
The legal and political battles surrounding immigration are expected to continue, with court challenges and protests intensifying in response to both state and federal actions. As the nation grapples with these complex issues, the debate over immigration enforcement and human rights remains at the forefront of political discourse.
