Gov. Abbott Declares Texas Border Problems Have Been ‘Solved’

By: Georgia | Published: Aug 29, 2024

Gov. Greg Abbott declared Texas has triumphed in controlling illegal immigration, although he remains concerned about national security.

He shared, “We’ve solved the Texas problem,” highlighting a significant drop in illegal crossings at the Texas-Mexico border—down by over 85% in the past year.

The Lone Star Strategy

Abbott attributes this success to Texas’s aggressive border policies, not to recent federal actions.

Military personnel installing razor wire along the U.S.-Mexico border, with a border fence

Source: GregAbbott_TX/X

He critiqued, “If you go back and look at when border crossings began to decline, that was more than half a year before,” dismissing President Joe Biden’s contributions to the decline.

Abbott's Bold Claim

Despite national policies, Abbott insists Texas’s own measures were pivotal.

A soldier bending down to secure razor wire at the base of a tall border fence, with other military personnel and a patrol vehicle in the background

Source: GregAbbott_TX/X

“Biden just happened to come in and stepped and rode on our coattails,” he said, stressing the effectiveness of Texas’s comprehensive border strategy.

Zero Tolerance Goals

Abbott won’t rest until illegal crossings are completely halted at his state’s border.

Governor Greg Abbott speaking from his wheelchair at a conference, gesturing towards the audience with a microphone in hand, with American flags and red, white, and blue curtains in the background

Source: GregAbbott_TX/X

His ambitious goal is to reduce illegal immigration by 100% in Texas, maintaining stringent border security to protect his state.

Beyond Texas Borders

The governor expressed concern over illegal immigrants entering other border states like New Mexico, Arizona, and California.

Several military personnel handling and inspecting razor wire barriers at the U.S.-Mexico border

Source: GregAbbott_TX/X

He believes this ongoing issue needs a robust national solution, ideally under new presidential leadership.

Election Year Spotlight

The 2024 presidential race, featuring contenders like Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, has thrust border security issues into the limelight.

Former President Donald Trump speaking at a rally, gesturing with his hands, with a crowd of supporters in the background and banners reading "Georgia is Trump Country."

Source: GOP/X

Abbott, a fervent Trump supporter, has been vocal at national conventions, advocating for strict immigration policies.

Legal Wins for Texas Tactics

Recently, the U.S. Court of Appeals upheld a Texas initiative to install buoy barriers in the Rio Grande.

A press conference under an open hangar with U.S. and Texas flags hanging behind; a speaker at a podium flanked by military personnel, all in front of vehicles and a banner labeled "Texas' Historic Border Security."

Source: GregAbbott_TX/X

This is a part of Abbott’s broader “Operation Lone Star” aimed at deterring illegal immigration.

Busing Strategy Unveiled

In April 2022, Abbott launched a busing operation to transport illegal immigrants from Texas to sanctuary cities across the U.S.

A group of migrants, predominantly young men carrying backpacks, lining up to board a white charter bus in a sunny parking lot

Source: __TEAM_USA/X

This move aimed to alleviate local burdens while spotlighting sanctuary policies in other states.

The Impact of Busing

According to Abbott, approximately 119,000 migrants have been transported under this initiative.

Governor Greg Abbott, seated in a wheelchair, speaks passionately at a podium during a "Securing the Border" event, with U.S. and Texas flags in the background and a presentation slide visible

Source: GregAbbott_TX/X

He proudly said, “Those buses will continue to roll until we finally secure our border,” stressing his commitment to this strategy.

A Pause in Busing

However, a recent drop in border crossings has temporarily halted the busing operations.

A white El Paso United Charters bus driving through a city street, with downtown El Paso buildings and mountainous landscape in the background

Source: borderObserver/X

Abbott explained, “The crossings have been down so much we haven’t actually had the volume of people to bus to other locations,” indicating a significant decrease in illegal entries.

Ready to Resume

Despite the current pause, Texas stands ready to resume busing if illegal crossings increase again.

Former President Donald Trump and Governor Greg Abbott, who is in a wheelchair, along with military personnel and law enforcement officers, walking beside a heavily fortified border fence adorned with concertina wire

Source: GregAbbott_TX/X

Abbott emphasized his expectation of a future surge, reflecting ongoing vigilance in border management.

Looking Ahead

As Texas braces for potential challenges, Abbott’s strategies and their national implications continue to spark debate.

A long line of military vehicles and personnel stationed along a dusty border area with a small water body, urban buildings in the background showing a contrast between the military presence and civilian life

Source: GregAbbott_TX/X

With the presidential election looming, the effectiveness and ethical considerations of these border policies remain hot topics among voters.