AUSTIN, Texas (KVII) — Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to expand public safety and homeland security operations along the Texas-Mexico border, citing escalating cartel violence in Mexico that he said poses a growing threat to Texans and Americans.
In a statement, Abbott said Mexican drug cartels represent a significant threat to public safety and national security and pledged that the state would use “every tool and strategy” available to prevent potential spillover violence.
Under Abbott’s directive, DPS will surge additional personnel and resources to the border region, including members of the Texas Highway Patrol, Texas Rangers, Criminal Investigations Division and Special Operations Group.
The officers will focus on detecting, interdicting and apprehending criminal activity and preventing what the governor described as transnational threats.
The state will also increase operations by the Tactical Marine Unit and Aircraft Operations Division to support border enforcement efforts.
Abbott’s order includes activating additional personnel from the DPS Homeland Security Division and the Texas Fusion Center to monitor social media and suspicious activity reports around the clock.
The announcement follows Abbott’s warning Sunday, urging Texans currently in Mexico, or those with family and friends traveling there, to closely monitor alerts from the U.S. Department of State amid ongoing security operations, road blockages and criminal activity in parts of Mexico.
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Texans needing immediate assistance can contact the U.S. Department of State at 1-888-407-4747 from within the United States or 1-202-501-4444 from outside the country. The Texas Fusion Center can be reached at 1-844-927-0521.