On April 5, Gov. Greg Abbott expressed his commendation for the National Guard's efforts in installing "more than 100 miles of razor wire." A press release from the Office of the Texas Governor stated that the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the National Guard are working together to secure the border, aiming to prevent drugs, weapons, and illegal immigrants from entering Texas.
"It is an effective barrier that denies illegal entry," said Abbott, according to Office of the Texas Governor. "But look, as you all know, the number one issue in the United States and in the presidential race is illegal immigration, and you know that Texas is the only one stepping up doing anything about it."
The governor's office reported that since Operation Lone Star was launched, over 506,500 illegal immigrants have been arrested along with more than 41,200 criminal arrests. The operation has also intercepted over 471 million lethal doses of fentanyl.
According to the press release, Operation Lone Star is accomplishing what it alleges the Biden administration failed to do regarding border security. It suggests that the White House's open border policies would have allowed those caught or arrested to move further into the country.
Spectrum News reported that while recent federal spending packages have increased funding for border security, some Texas Republicans argue it is insufficient. According to Spectrum News, these GOP members want completion of the border wall and reinstatement of a Trump administration policy requiring asylum seekers to remain in Mexico while their claims are processed.
Born and raised in North Texas, Abbott received his law degree from Vanderbilt University after graduating from the University of Texas at Austin (UT), according to information on his office's website. Abbott has been married to Cecilia Abbott since 1981 and they have one daughter.