BORDER UPDATE: Flynn Says Crossings at Texas Border have Dropped

Texas efforts successful in slowing crossings By State Rep. Dan Flynn AUSTIN Texas (Texas Insider Report) The border crisis continues to be the issue of deep concern and wherever I go constituents want to know and ask what is being done. Since my last report there are a few positive updates to note. However while Texas is by no means out of the woods yet in the absence of increased federal assistance I believe the Texas forces are doing an admirable job of working to decrease the rapid flood of illegal immigration at our border.   According to public and confidential reports the rate of illegal immigrants crossing the Texas border has dropped. Some say this could be because of seasonal trends more crossings elsewhere or the calm before the storm of another wave of Other Than Mexican (OTMs) illegals seeking to cross.

As previously reported the number of Illegal Aliens apprehensions in Texas for Calendar Year (CY) 2011 was 112426 which increased by 48 to 166449 in CY 2012. Figures then show another 46 jump to 242660 in CY 2013 and 271407 in CY 2014 as of October.

In any event from a personal observation I can see the outstanding and determined work of the Department of Public Safety the Game Wardens of Texas Parks & Wildlife local law enforcement and the soldiers of the Texas Military Forces as well as the Border Patrol (whose mission is directed by Washington DC) they are having an effect slowing crossings and acting as a stop-gap while we continue to petition the Washington administration to do its job. By no means are we out of the woods yet. However in the absence of increased federal assistance I believe the Texas forces are doing an admirable job of working to decrease the rapid flood of illegal immigration at our border as well as steps towards securing our southern border. Operation Strong Safety has been successful at the border and in reducing transactional crime throughout Texas. I have faith that it will continue to be successful as this problem persists. Frustrated by lack of support from the Federal Government Under the authorization of Governor Rick Perry Lt. Governor David Dewhurst Speaker Joe Straus and Attorney General Greg Abbott (above left) Members of the Texas Department of Public Safety Texas Parks and Wildlife Border Sheriffs Association and the Texas Military Forces have been directed to continue their efforts of protecting the interests of our citizens and have been working day and night to provide unwavering commitment to defending the border. Border security is crucial to maintaining the safety of Texas and the problems we are faced with effects other states as well. On my most recent trip to the border we were pleased to host a group of Colorado legislators (below right) to witness first hand not only the many ways our border is being breached but also how our forces are responding. Senator Lundberg had this to say:

Through briefings air flights and tours on their marine and land vehicles we saw the remarkable progress they have made in securing this critical part of our nations border. After many years of debate over what can be done to secure the border it is an incredible encouragement to see the difference boots on the ground have made at the far southern tip of Texas.

I continue to be frustrated by the lack of support from the Federal Government. I am pleased to be a part of Texass continued effort to address border security and I pledge to continue my efforts in support of Homeland Security and public safety. The good news is what I believe will be new statewide leadership will continue our efforts to assure that the citizens of Texas and the United States are provided a safe and secure homeland. Marine Sergeant Tahmooressi still held in Mexican prison In another update Marine Sergeant Tahmooressi has still not been released from Mexican prison. There has been talk about an all but certain release but as of now he is still being denied freedom. It is important that we do not leave our Veterans behind. Marine Sergeant Tahmooressi is diagnosed with PTSD and like many of our Veterans he deserves care and effort by those in a position to help him get back to the States. Our current administration needs to do more for this war hero. We will continue our efforts in monitoring his situation to see that he gets released. The Ebola epidemic The Ebola epidemic is another example of failure by the current administration and I am working hard to ensure our district receives full and complete information for their protection and that of all Texans. I will also continue efforts along side Governor Perry and the statewide leadership efforts he has initiated (right) to prevent entry into our country or state from those affected countries. For more information on Ebola and Ebola updates you will find the following links helpful. These links serve to provide current news information and best practices from state and federal partners concerning EVD and response.

• Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)

• News releases and sign up for email updates - https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/news/releases.shtm

• Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)

• News releases and sign up for email updates - http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/news/release.shtml
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TexasHHSC

My staff and I continue to welcome your input and your questions. You can contact our office Toll Free: 800-734-9515 or via Email at District2Flynn@house.state.tx.us May God continue to bless you and the Great State of Texas! State Representative Dan Flynn a Republican from House District 2 is a senior member of the House Homeland Security & Public Safety Committee. He has consistently been ranked as a Top 10 Conservative since being elected in 2000 and was named a Texas Taxpayer Hero" by Texans for Fiscal Responsibility.