AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Gov. Greg Abbott issued five Executive Orders on Wednesday, directing state agencies to work with the Trump Administration to enforce border and homeland security operations, including deportation efforts.
“Today, I issued five Executive Orders directing Texas state agencies to partner with the Trump Administration to enforce the rule of law and help secure the homeland,” Abbott was quoted as saying in a news release from his office.
“Just like President Donald Trump and his Administration, Texas will do what is necessary to keep our country safe,” Abbott’s quote added.
The news release listed the five orders, all signed and dated on Jan. 29. The first order directs state agencies to assist federal immigration officers “in carrying out functions under federal immigration laws.” The release said that includes investigating, arresting, and deporting people in the country illegally.
The second order directs the Texas Military Department to cooperate with U.S. armed forces “to regain and maintain operational control of the southern border.”
The governor’s third order directs state agencies to assist federal partners in deploying additional border barriers. Earlier this month, Abbott directed workers to install new buoy barriers in the Rio Grande, promising to double the number of buoys in the river.
The fourth order on the governor’s list directs stage agencies to share intelligence with federal law enforcement on foreign terrorist organizations. The news release listed “Mexican cartels and Tren de Aragua” as examples of those organizations.
The governor’s final order directs the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and the Texas Facilities Commission to identify “additional detention space” for people in the country illegally.
Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham said last week the state’s General Land Office already offered the Trump Administration about 1400 acres of land to help with mass deportations. Buckingham said she will work with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and border czar Tom Homan on additional plans.
“I have 13 million acres across the state,” Buckingham told NewsNation reporter Ali Bradley. “We’ve identified pieces that we think are more helpful out of the gate. But of course, whatever it is they need.”
“We’ll do whatever it takes. We’re here to be a good partner again, just getting these violent criminals who’ve been hurting our sons and daughters off of our soil,” Buckingham said.
The governor’s news release about the Executive Orders came out a few hours after Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick released a list of 25 priority bills for the Texas Senate. The list included Senate Bill 8, which would require local law enforcement to assist the federal government’s deportation efforts. That bill has not yet been filed.
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