Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) has directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to deploy tactical strike teams in support of the Trump Administration's ongoing raids.
The decision comes after Governor Abbott previously deployed a Texas Tactical Border Force to the Texas border, specifically the Rio Grande Valley.
The tactical teams, coordinated with federal Homeland Security agencies, aim to enhance the enforcement of immigration laws and address what the governor argues is a long-standing crisis exacerbated by failed federal policies under the Biden Administration.
In a statement, Governor Abbott commented on the directive, announcing that “Texas is expanding our operations to assist President Donald Trump to protect Americans and enforce the rule of law.” “Today, I directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to deploy tactical strike teams to work alongside our federal partners to enforce immigration laws throughout the state," he added.
Texas is expanding our operations to assist President @realDonaldTrump to protect Americans.
Directed @TxDPS today to deploy tactical strike teams to work alongside our federal partners to enforce immigration laws throughout the state.
Together, we'll end this crisis. pic.twitter.com/73JK4g2Sly
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) January 28, 2025
"These teams will coordinate with Homeland Security agencies to track down the thousands of illegal immigrants with active warrants across Texas and deport them from our country.”
The governor praised the Trump administration, saying that the initiative represents a new era of collaboration between Texas and the federal government.
“After four years of failed policies, Texas finally has a partner in President Trump,” he celebrated. “Together, we will end this crisis and make America safe once again.”
Newly-confirmed Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem (R) has joined ICE raids in New York City, and she's provided updates of the arrests on social media.
Just now.
Enforcement operation in NYC. Criminal alien with kidnapping, assault & burglary charges is now in custody - thanks to @ICE.
Dirtbags like this will continue to be removed from our streets. pic.twitter.com/fRpJBdmqSl
— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) January 28, 2025
After his inauguration, President Trump issued numerous executive orders in an attempt to curb illegal immigration, and Republicans across the country are moving swiftly to back the president with legislation that helps the federal government pursue its goals.
However, the deployment of strike teams is sure to attract scrutiny from Democrats who've expressed concerns about government overreach.