Governor Greg Abbott says "Operation Lone Star" will continue as Title 42 comes to an end this week.
President Donald Trump invoked Title 42 in March of 2020. The order allows the U.S. to block non-citizens from entering the country to stop the spread of disease.
After a federal judge's ruling, the Biden Administration said it would end Title 42 expulsions December 21.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas says the department will still process people without travel documents under its existing authority. He says that authority provides for "meaningful consequences," including expedited removal for people who cross the border illegally.
"Nonetheless, we know that smugglers will spread misinformation to take advantage of vulnerable migrants. Let me be clear: Title 42 or not, those unable to establish a legal basis to remain in the United States will be removed," Mayorkas says.
He says Homeland Security has led a "whole-of-government plan" to prepare for an increase in people trying to cross the border after Title 42 is ended, but Governor Abbott says Texas is preparing for an increase in human and drug smuggling.
"Now, more than ever, it is imperative that our law enforcement officers and Texas National Guard soldiers adopt innovative solutions needed to counteract President Biden’s reckless decision to end Title 42 expulsions," Abbott said in a statement.
Abbott toured the border with the Texas National Guard and Department of Public Safety. Since launching Operation Lone Star in March of 2021, Abbott says DPS and the National Guard have made 333,000 migrant apprehensions, 22,000 criminal arrests and 20,000 have been charged with felonies. He says they have also seized enough fentanyl for 354 million lethal doses.
"While the federal government abandons its constitutional duty to defend America and secure the border, the State of Texas continues taking unprecedented action to deescalate and decrease the influx of dangerous criminals, illegal weapons, and deadly drugs like fentanyl into our country. Stepping up to overcome extraordinary challenges is embedded in the spirit of Texas, and I have no doubt that the exceptional men and women serving Texans—and Americans—through Operation Lone Star will employ the best possible strategies to navigate the uncharted waters of President Biden’s escalating border crisis," he says.
Abbott says Texas has also bused almost 15,000 migrants to other cities. Since April, he says 8,600 have been bused to Washington D.C. Since August, 4,200 have been sent to New York City and 1,400 sent to Chicago. Last month, Abbott sent his first bus to Philadelphia. Since November 15, he says 380 migrants have been sent there.
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