The Texas Department of Public Safety marked Alamo Day on Friday by spotlighting its new oversight of security at the Alamo Complex in San Antonio.
The agency honored the 190th anniversary of the 13-day Battle of the Alamo, where fighters defended Texas independence. DPS now safeguards the site to maintain it as a place of remembrance and education.
“As the former Region Chief for DPS’ Central Texas Region, I know just how important the Alamo is to the people of San Antonio and all Texans,” said DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin. “It is a tremendous honor to oversee the department’s transition in taking over security operations for the Alamo, helping to preserve one of the greatest symbols in Texas history.”
Senate Bill 1, approved by the Texas Legislature and signed by Gov. Greg Abbott in 2025, assigned DPS to handle security and law enforcement at the Alamo and the surrounding complex. Texas Highway Patrol members started patrolling in September 2025, with full control by December 2025.
Dozens of DPS troopers from the Texas Highway Patrol, Criminal Investigations Division, and Homeland Security Division staff the site around the clock. They guard visitors and prevent vandalism, trespassing, and damage. More commissioned and non-commissioned positions will open soon. One explosives detection K-9 works there, with a second planned.
Beyond the complex, troopers patrol nearby areas to aid San Antonio law enforcement.
Bicycle troopers enhance coverage of events such as Texas Independence Day ceremonies and the Nasdaq Closing Bell Ceremony, which were attended this week by Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.