EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — \u201cI appreciate their support because it reaffirms our collective commitment to keeping Texans safe,\u201d Gov. Greg Abbott said.<\/p>\n
Abbott was back on the campaign trail, making his second stop in El Paso in recent months. This time, he was joined by several members of local, state and federal law enforcement.<\/p>\n
El Paso County Sheriff Clint McDonnell voiced his support for the governor. \u201cI support Governor Abbott, and we will continue to support him as long as he wants to lead this great state,\u201d McDonnell said.<\/p>\n
The National Border Patrol Council also endorsed Abbott, saying he \u201csaved Texas\u201d and earned its support. The El Paso Municipal Police Officers Association echoed that endorsement, saying it looks forward to Abbott\u2019s continued leadership.<\/p>\n
Some local law enforcement leaders said they hope the state will provide more funding for departments, particularly for recruitment efforts.<\/p>\n
\u201cEl Paso has grown tremendously,\u201d said John Armendariz, president of the El Paso Municipal Police Officers Association. \u201cWhen I started 23 years ago, we had just over 1,000 officers. Nearly 24 years later, we barely have 1,100.\u201d<\/p>\n
Abbott spoke for about 15 minutes and touched on several issues, including education, property tax reform and immigration.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have to fully fund our education system and stop rising property taxes on people\u2019s homes,\u201d Abbott said. \u201cPublic safety remains a priority, and we must stay committed to securing the border.\u201d<\/p>\n
The event is happening at the El Paso Municipal Police Officers’ Association Memorial Hall located at 3601 Rutherglen Street\u00a0in East El Paso.<\/p>\n
The governor will be joined at the event by the El Paso\u00a0Municipal\u00a0Police\u00a0Officers\u2019\u00a0Association, National\u00a0Border Patrol Council, and Texas Game Warden Peace Officer’s Association.<\/p>\n
The event is happening at 1 p.m.<\/p>\n