"This surge poses life-threatening risks to residents of Val Verde County, and is quickly overrunning law enforcement and health care and humanitarian resources never intended to be used in this capacity."
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott sent a letter to President Joe Biden today requesting an "Emergency Declaration" for the State of Texas as a result of the escalating crisis at the Texas-Mexico Border, specifically due to the dire situation in Val Verde County. The letter explains that the federal government’s failure to enforce immigration laws – in particular its failure to halt illegal crossings on a dam on federal property, which is the sole jurisdiction of the federal government – is leading to substantial burdens on Local & State resources, as well as federal resources.
"Border security is a federal responsibility; however, in response to the current situation, I have taken the appropriate action under state law by directing the execution of the state’s emergency management plan and by declaring a state of disaster on May 31, 2021, for multiple Texas counties across the state’s southern border," reads the letter."This surge poses life-threatening risks to residents of Val Verde County and is quickly overrunning law enforcement and health care and humanitarian resources which were never intended to be used in this capacity. Even the limited federal resources in the area are strained by the large number of individuals illegally crossing into Texas.
There are currently 1,000s of Texas state personnel – including DPS Troopers, Agents, Rangers, and National Guard Soldiers – engaged in the mission of curtailing the uncontrolled surge of illegal immigrants and working with local law enforcement to somehow manage the growing crisis.
"I have determined that the disaster caused from individuals unlawfully crossing the Texas-Mexico border is of such severity that supplementary federal assistance is necessary to lessen the threat of disaster, save lives, and protect property, public health, and safety," wrote Gov. Abbott.
The Governor expanded the mission shortly after its launch to include anti-human trafficking efforts.Governor Abbott's plan to secure the border also includes the construction of a border wall, in addition to the use of strategic fencing and other barriers.
A project manager for the initial stage of building the wall was announced ong Thursday, September 16th. On Friday, the Governor signed HB 9 appropriating $1.8 billion to Texas' border security efforts.
Among other things, the funding will add more National Guard and additional resources in an attempt to better secure the border.
