AUSTIN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott signed five executive orders on Wednesday directing Texas state agencies to support the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement initiatives, further solidifying the state’s role in border security and deportation efforts.
The orders instruct all state agencies to assist federal authorities in the investigation, arrest, detention, and deportation of undocumented immigrants. Abbott’s directives come as the Trump administration intensifies its immigration enforcement, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducting large-scale raids across the country.
Over the weekend, dozens of undocumented immigrants were arrested in Texas as part of these enforcement actions, with operations taking place in Houston, Dallas, and Austin.
Expanded Border Security Measures
Beyond aiding federal deportation efforts, Abbott’s executive orders call for additional security measures along the Texas-Mexico border. The governor has instructed state agencies to install more border barriers and directed the Texas Military Department to assist federal troops in securing the border.
Additionally, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and the Texas Facilities Commission have been ordered to identify state-owned land available for lease to the federal government, which could be used for detention and deportation operations.
The orders also mandate that state agencies share intelligence on Mexican cartels and foreign terrorist organizations with federal authorities, aiming to strengthen cooperation on transnational crime and national security threats.
Unanswered Questions
While the executive orders have been signed, it remains unclear how quickly key measures—such as the construction of additional border barriers and land leases—will be implemented.
Gov. Abbott’s Statement
“For the past four years, Texas has worked around the clock to defend our southern border while former President Joe Biden refused to protect our country from an invasion he allowed,” Abbott stated. “Now, we have a Commander-in-Chief in the White House who will do what is necessary to protect Americans. Today, I issued five Executive Orders directing Texas state agencies to partner with the Trump Administration to enforce the rule of law and help secure the homeland. Just like President Donald Trump and his Administration, Texas will do what is necessary to keep our country safe.”
Looking Ahead
Abbott’s latest executive actions reinforce Texas’ aggressive stance on border security and immigration enforcement, setting the stage for closer collaboration between state and federal agencies in the coming months.