Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) declared on Tuesday that he has invoked the Invasion Provisions of the United States and Texas Constitutions in response to President Joe Biden’s (D) southern border immigration issue.
The statement comes as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced new figures revealing that approximately 2.4 million illegal aliens were detained on the US-Mexico border during Fiscal Year 2022, that ended in Sept.
“I used the U.S. and Texas Constitutions’ Invasion Clauses to fully authorize Texas to take unprecedented actions to safeguard our state against an invasion,” Abbott stated. “I’m utilizing that constitutional authority, as well as additional authorization and Executive Orders, to keep our nation and state safe.”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced the following initiatives to address the problem:
- Deploy the National Guard to protect the border and reject and turn back illegal immigrants.
- Deploy the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to apprehend and return unlawful border crossers, as well as to arrest illegal immigrants for criminal conduct.
- Build a border wall in various counties;
- Dispatch gunboats;
- Mexican drug cartels should be designated as foreign terrorist groups.
- Make an agreement with other states to protect the border;
- Make arrangements with foreign nations to improve border security;
- Provide funding to border counties to help them respond to the “border invasion.”
Abbott’s declaration comes after he defeated Democrat Robert Francis O’Rourke, sometimes known as “Beto,” by 11 points in last week’s midterm election.
“I ran this campaign for Texans who really want safer streets,” Abbott stated following his victory. “For homeowners who are plagued by soaring property taxes. For the oil field workers who pleaded with me to protect their jobs. For parents who wish to choose the appropriate school for their children. For the ranchers and residents who have been pleading for a safe border.”
“Texas must continue our unparalleled border security measures,” he continued. “Texans sent a clear statement tonight that we intend to retain Texas as the beacon of opportunity that it has been for the past eight years.”
