AUSTIN, Texas \u2014 Governor Greg Abbott on Tuesday directed the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to ramp up public safety and homeland security operations statewide in response to escalating cartel violence in Mexico that officials say poses a growing threat to American civilians.<\/p>\n
The directive calls for expanded law enforcement resources along the Texas-Mexico border as part of a broader effort to prevent potential spillover violence from transnational criminal organizations.<\/p>\n
This is following a Mexican military operation which led to the death of Mexico\u2019s most-wanted drug leader, Nemesio \u201cEl Mencho\u201d Oseguera Cervantes over the weekend.<\/p>\n
\u201cMexican drug cartels pose a significant threat to public safety and national security,\u201d Abbott said in a statement. \u201cBy increasing proactive efforts to defend against cartel violence, Texas will continue to utilize every tool and strategy to protect our state and our nation. We will not cower to criminals who impose terror on our fellow Texans and Americans.\u201d<\/p>\n
Under Abbott\u2019s orders, DPS will deploy additional personnel and resources to border regions, including:<\/p>\n
A surge of Texas Highway Patrol troopers, Texas Rangers, Criminal Investigations Division officers, and Special Operations Group members to detect, interdict, and apprehend criminal activity.Increased operations by the Tactical Marine Unit and Aircraft Operations Division to enhance surveillance and apprehension efforts along the border.Activation of additional Homeland Security Division and Texas Fusion Center personnel to monitor social media and suspicious activity reports around the clock.<\/p>\n
State officials said the heightened presence is intended to deter cartel-related violence and strengthen homeland security efforts.<\/p>\n