The House DOGE Caucus held a press conference to discuss efforts to rein in government spending and reduce bureaucracy. Texas Politics spoke with Rep. Pete Sessions (R) and Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R) about the federal government’s role in deporting criminal illegal immigrants and Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s (R) involvement in the process.
Rep. Sessions, the Co-Chair of the House DOGE Caucus, pointed to past enforcement efforts under President Barack Obama (D), who oversaw the removal of approximately three million illegal immigrants. Sessions noted that criminal organizations, human trafficking, and other illegal activities prompted these actions and emphasized that the current administration must take a similar approach.
“This administration is gonna have to get its handle really around criminal gangs, sanctuary cities, and individuals with removal orders,” Rep. Sessions argued. “That is a large process, and that is one that they’re gonna have to get better at," he added, noting that he's glad the administration is "getting them out of Texas.”
Rep. Van Duyne echoed Rep. Sessions' sentiments, praising efforts to prioritize deporting criminal illegal immigrants. She pointed to “Border Czar” Tom Homan’s approach, which emphasizes partnerships with local cities willing to work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“They’re prioritizing criminals," she expressed, adding, We’ve proved that model out in Irving. I think it’s a great model. I think it’s very efficient, and I think it’s very effective,” Rep. Van Duyne said.
She also praised Governor Abbott for his proactive role in assisting federal immigration authorities. She noted that Abbott has offered detention space and land to help federal agencies process and detain illegal immigrants awaiting deportation.
“Governor Abbott has been phenomenal. He’s not asking for a handout—he’s asking, ‘how can we partner?’” she explained. “It’s refreshing to see a president and the governor of Texas working together, especially after years of legal battles between the state and the federal government over border security.”
