Governor Greg Abbott (R) has directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to expand the Texas Repeat Offender Task Force into the Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Austin Metropolitan areas following what state officials describe as significant results from the Houston-area initiative.
The task force, launched in October as a joint operation between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, focuses on identifying and arresting violent repeat offenders and gang members.
"I am directing the Texas Department of Public Safety to immediately expand the Texas Repeat Offender Task Force to the Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Austin metropolitan areas," said Gov. Abbott.
Abbott reported that the task force has arrested 728 repeat offenders since its launch, including 455 individuals identified as high-threat offenders. Authorities also reported encounters with 155 known gang members and arrests involving groups such as Puro Tango Blast, MS-13, the Bloods, and the Crips.
"Targeting these dangerous perpetrators reduces crime, increases safety, and better protects Texans," said Abbott. "We will unapologetically back law enforcement, bring dangerous criminals to justice, and keep our communities safe."
Law enforcement agencies involved in the operation have also carried out 225 drug seizures, including more than 225,000 lethal doses of fentanyl, 115 pounds of methamphetamine, 7 pounds of cocaine, and 415 pounds of marijuana.
Officials additionally reported 110 weapon seizures, 12 currency seizures, and the recovery of 25 stolen vehicles.
The expansion follows a series of bail reform measures signed into law by Abbott last year, including Senate Bill 9, Senate Bill 40, House Bill 7, and Senate Joint Resolution 5, which strengthen restrictions on bail for violent and repeat offenders.
State officials say the expansion of the Texas Repeat Offender Task Force reflects Texas's broader effort to combat violent crime through coordinated law enforcement operations and stricter criminal justice policies targeting repeat offenders.
