Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced the deployment of the state’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) tactical strike teams to assist in the Trump administration’s initiative aimed at locating and apprehending criminal illegal immigrants throughout Texas. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance public safety and enforce immigration laws.
“Texas is expanding our operations to assist President Donald Trump to protect Americans and enforce the rule of law,” Abbott stated on Tuesday. “Today, I directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to deploy tactical strike teams to work alongside our federal partners to enforce immigration laws throughout the state.”
Abbott emphasized that these teams will collaborate with Homeland Security agencies to identify and deport the thousands of illegal immigrants who have active warrants in Texas. “After four years of failed policies, Texas finally has a partner in President Trump. Together, we will end this crisis and make America safe once again,” he added, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
According to Abbott’s office, the DPS tactical strike teams will coordinate with the Homeland Security Task Force to utilize resources effectively in tracking down approximately 5,400 illegal immigrants with outstanding warrants across the state.
The announcement comes shortly after Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis declared that her department would not assist federal agents with civil immigration enforcement operations. This statement has sparked a range of reactions from local officials and community members.
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Austin City Council member Vanessa Fuentes praised Chief Davis for her stance, noting that many community members have expressed fear regarding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in the area. “We have a lot of members that are scared right now with the extent of ICE being in and operating in the Austin area,” Fuentes said in an interview with KXAN. “I’m really proud that our police chief came out with her statement on Friday that confirmed that Austin police have not and will not enforce any federal civil immigration.”
Fuentes emphasized the importance of focusing on local crime rather than participating in federal immigration enforcement. She also mentioned her commitment to educating the community about their rights through training and workshops with various partners.
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<pThe debate over local police involvement in federal immigration enforcement has intensified, with groups like Libs of TikTok criticizing Fuentes for her position. In response to the backlash, Fuentes remained firm, stating, “Yeah, and?” indicating her commitment to her constituents’ concerns.
Despite the Austin Police Department’s non-involvement in the recent raids, reports from the Austin American-Statesman revealed that ICE conducted arrests over the weekend, targeting individuals considered “wanted violent offenders.” Chief Davis confirmed that while Austin police were not directly involved, they would still pursue these individuals for violent offenses.