INSIDER
Border Patrol agents recorded the fewest monthly migrant apprehensions since 2021 on southern border
Read full article: Border Patrol agents recorded the fewest monthly migrant apprehensions since 2021 on southern borderMigrant apprehensions in Texas decreased by nearly one-third in June, the first month of a new order by President Joe Biden that widely limited asylum claims.
Texas National Guard is shooting pepper balls to deter migrants at the border
Read full article: Texas National Guard is shooting pepper balls to deter migrants at the borderMigrants in Mexico said they’ve been shot by the rounds, which leave bruises and disperse a chemical irritant. The state says Guard members are trained not to aim directly at people.
Texas immigrants’ rights groups sue Biden administration over asylum restrictions
Read full article: Texas immigrants’ rights groups sue Biden administration over asylum restrictionsBoth Democrats and Republicans have criticized the order, which limits asylum requests when illegal border crossings ramp up.
Gov. Abbott welcomes Texas National Guard soldiers to new operating base in Eagle Pass
Read full article: Gov. Abbott welcomes Texas National Guard soldiers to new operating base in Eagle PassGov. Greg Abbott was in Eagle Pass on Friday to welcome Texas National Guard soldiers at Texas’ Forward Operating Base.
Texas National Guard member charged with human smuggling after high-speed chase near the border
Read full article: Texas National Guard member charged with human smuggling after high-speed chase near the borderAuthorities said the 26-year-old turned around at a Border Patrol checkpoint and fled from police in Kinney County.
More than 200 migrants arrested after rushing an El Paso border gate
Read full article: More than 200 migrants arrested after rushing an El Paso border gateMore than 200 migrants have been arrested on misdemeanor rioting charges in connection with a late March border breach in El Paso that the local district attorney said injured Texas National Guard members.
Texas will build camp for National Guard members in border city of Eagle Pass
Read full article: Texas will build camp for National Guard members in border city of Eagle PassTexas is expanding its grasp of a border city that has become the focus of a political struggle between the state and federal government.
What to know as Republicans governors consider sending more National Guard to the Texas border
Read full article: What to know as Republicans governors consider sending more National Guard to the Texas borderAs tensions grow between Texas officials and the federal government over who can enforce immigration policies and how, some Republican leaders are pledging their support to the Lone Star state.
U.S. Supreme Court says Texas can’t block federal agents from the border
Read full article: U.S. Supreme Court says Texas can’t block federal agents from the borderThe high court’s order effectively maintains long-running precedent that the federal government — not individual states — has authority to enforce border security.
U.S. Department of Justice says it’ll sue if Texas enforces new law punishing illegal border crossing
Read full article: U.S. Department of Justice says it’ll sue if Texas enforces new law punishing illegal border crossingThe state has until Jan. 3 to say it won’t arrest people accused of unauthorized entry from Mexico. If not, the Biden administration will sue, saying immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility.
Texas Legislature sends $1.54 billion bill for border barriers to Gov. Abbott
Read full article: Texas Legislature sends $1.54 billion bill for border barriers to Gov. AbbottSenate Bill 3 would also appropriate $40 million for state troopers to patrol Colony Ridge, a housing development outside of Houston, and allow the state to send money to local jurisdictions to offset the cost of enforcing another immigration-related bill.
Texas National Guard disbanded intelligence wing after members used WhatsApp to spy on migrants
Read full article: Texas National Guard disbanded intelligence wing after members used WhatsApp to spy on migrantsFour members of the unit working on Gov. Greg Abbott’s border mission have been punished after whistleblowers reported the surveillance operation violated long-standing rules against state-run spy operations.
Mexico officials say National Guard member who shot at migrant “separated from his position”
Read full article: Mexico officials say National Guard member who shot at migrant “separated from his position”Texas Department of Public Safety and the Military Department would not confirm the status of National Guard member who is accused of shooting across the Rio Grande and wounding a man.
Joaquin Castro calls reports of DPS troopers’ alleged mistreatment of migrants at border ‘horrific’ and ‘barbaric’
Read full article: Joaquin Castro calls reports of DPS troopers’ alleged mistreatment of migrants at border ‘horrific’ and ‘barbaric’Allegations of mistreatment of migrants, including small children, by DPS troopers and Texas National Guard soldiers is “horrific” and “barbaric,” U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro of San Antonio said.
16 South American migrants who entered US through Texas flown to California
Read full article: 16 South American migrants who entered US through Texas flown to CaliforniaSixteen Venezuelan and Colombian migrants who entered the country through Texas were flown to California by chartered plane and dropped off outside a church in Sacramento.
Effort to fix payroll error for state National Guard troops falls short in Texas Senate
Read full article: Effort to fix payroll error for state National Guard troops falls short in Texas SenateThe mistake meant about 7,400 soldiers sent to the Texas-Mexico border under Operation Lone Star were hit with higher-than-expected federal income taxes.
Bill providing death benefits for National Guard serving along southern border sent to governor
Read full article: Bill providing death benefits for National Guard serving along southern border sent to governorThe legislation was named for Bishop Evans, who drowned last year trying to rescue migrants in the Rio Grande.
Gov. Abbott thanks Texas National Guard soldiers, DPS troopers for protecting border
Read full article: Gov. Abbott thanks Texas National Guard soldiers, DPS troopers for protecting borderGov. Greg Abbott on Friday thanked Texas National Guard soldiers and Texas Department of Public Safety troopers for protecting the Texas-Mexico border.
Greg Abbott asked other governors for help patrolling the Texas-Mexico border. Ron DeSantis answered the call.
Read full article: Greg Abbott asked other governors for help patrolling the Texas-Mexico border. Ron DeSantis answered the call.Although border encounters have fallen since Title 42 ended Thursday, Texas’ top Republican asks for “all available law enforcement personnel and resources.”
After Title 42’s end, Texas DPS pauses Austin patrols so officers can head to the border
Read full article: After Title 42’s end, Texas DPS pauses Austin patrols so officers can head to the borderDespite no major influx in border crossings, state troopers will be relocated to border cities. Austin and the Texas Department of Public Safety faced criticism for the racial disparities in state trooper arrests in the capital.
Family of dead National Guardsman urges Legislature to make death benefits bill named for him retroactive
Read full article: Family of dead National Guardsman urges Legislature to make death benefits bill named for him retroactiveWhile the state guarantees law enforcement officers, like Department of Public Safety troopers, a $500,000 death benefit for their families if they die on duty, National Guard troops who stand shoulder to shoulder with those DPS officers on Operation Lone Star don’t have the same benefit.
Texas Military Department says it needs $460 million more to keep border mission afloat this year
Read full article: Texas Military Department says it needs $460 million more to keep border mission afloat this yearState officials have repeatedly had to move money from other departments to keep Gov. Greg Abbott’s multibillion-dollar border mission running this year.
U.S. Supreme Court rules to keep Title 42, the pandemic-era policy to quickly turn away migrants, for now
Read full article: U.S. Supreme Court rules to keep Title 42, the pandemic-era policy to quickly turn away migrants, for nowThe court ordered the Biden administration to continue enforcing the policy while Texas and other states that want to keep the Trump-era rule in place prepare their legal arguments.
What is the Texas National Guard and why does it matter in this year’s gubernatorial election?
Read full article: What is the Texas National Guard and why does it matter in this year’s gubernatorial election?A governor’s military powers are often not discussed as part of the election process, in favor of other prominent issues like education and taxes. But with Operation Lone Star in plain view, voters may have more questions this election.
Another National Guard soldier working Operation Lone Star dies by suspected suicide
Read full article: Another National Guard soldier working Operation Lone Star dies by suspected suicideThe soldier is the 10th known Texas Guard member linked to the mission to die since its rapid expansion began in September 2021.
Abbott tours Texas-Mexico border in Eagle Pass, gets security briefing
Read full article: Abbott tours Texas-Mexico border in Eagle Pass, gets security briefingTexas Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday toured Texas National Guard and Texas Department of Public Safety border security assets along the Texas-Mexico Border in Eagle Pass.
Texas soldier who drowned trying to help migrants wasn’t equipped with flotation device
Read full article: Texas soldier who drowned trying to help migrants wasn’t equipped with flotation deviceSpc. Bishop Evans died after jumping into the Rio Grande to save migrants. He and other members of Operation Lone Star were not provided safety equipment. Texas Military Department said an order for buoys and ropes was made but has not been fulfilled.
Body of Texas National Guard member found after he was washed away while saving drowning migrants
Read full article: Body of Texas National Guard member found after he was washed away while saving drowning migrantsSpc. Bishop E. Evans, a 22-year-old field artilleryman from Arlington, joined the Texas Army National Guard in 2019.
Officials identify missing Texas Guardsman who tried to save drowning migrants
Read full article: Officials identify missing Texas Guardsman who tried to save drowning migrantsOfficials have identified a missing Texas National Guard Specialist who attempted to save two migrants from drowning in the Rio Grande on Friday.
Sheriff: Texas Guardsman missing after border rescue attempt
Read full article: Sheriff: Texas Guardsman missing after border rescue attemptAuthorities along the U.S.-Mexico border are searching for a Texas National Guard member who they say went missing after trying to rescue a migrant in the Rio Grande.
Texas National Guard replaces commander overseeing Gov. Greg Abbott’s troubled border mission
Read full article: Texas National Guard replaces commander overseeing Gov. Greg Abbott’s troubled border missionThe brigadier general steps down from commanding Operation Lone Star’s military efforts after five months.
Gov. Abbott plans to use buses to move migrants away from border to Washington
Read full article: Gov. Abbott plans to use buses to move migrants away from border to WashingtonBoat blockades, container and razor wire at low-water crossings, enhanced vehicle inspections along the border and even bus transportation will take processed and released migrants to Washington D.C. in an effort to alleviate stress on the system in Texas.
Shakeup of Texas border mission leadership continues as pair of two-star generals departs
Read full article: Shakeup of Texas border mission leadership continues as pair of two-star generals departsThe departure of three top officials in a week signals that officials may be looking to make changes to the heavily criticized mission. A soldier leading a unionization effort welcomed the moves.
National Guard troops were dispatched to famous Texas ranches with private security as part of border mission
Read full article: National Guard troops were dispatched to famous Texas ranches with private security as part of border missionThe dispatching of troops to the sprawling private ranches, far from the border, raises questions about the use of National Guard troops, who have widely decried the mission as aimless, political and oversized, as the cost of the effort has already ballooned to $2 billion a year.
“I hate it here”: National Guard members sound off on Texas border mission in leaked morale survey
Read full article: “I hate it here”: National Guard members sound off on Texas border mission in leaked morale surveyFrustration, anxiety and anger prevailed in the survey responses obtained by the The Texas Tribune and Military Times. The survey includes responses from nearly 250 members of Task Force South, one of six units that fall under the umbrella of Operation Lone Star.
Deplorable conditions, unclear mission: Texas National Guard troops call Abbott’s rushed border operation a disaster
Read full article: Deplorable conditions, unclear mission: Texas National Guard troops call Abbott’s rushed border operation a disasterThe governor has sent waves of troops to the border as Guard officials scramble to execute a massive mobilization that would normally take months to plan. Some Guard members say the operation has set back their income, education and well-being.
Probe of Texas National Guard border mission demanded over suicide attempts, abysmal conditions and delayed pay
Read full article: Probe of Texas National Guard border mission demanded over suicide attempts, abysmal conditions and delayed payThe call for action from Texas Democrats comes as another service member based in the city of Pharr survived a suicide attempt on Sunday, according to an incident report obtained by Army Times and The Texas Tribune.
Gov. Greg Abbott says critics are ‘playing politics’ over Texas National Guard suicides
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott says critics are ‘playing politics’ over Texas National Guard suicidesAbbott said the suicides are being investigated and thinks it will come out that not all “actually occurred during Operation Lone Star.”
Army Times investigation finds suicides, morale crisis in wake of Operation Lone Star at Texas border
Read full article: Army Times investigation finds suicides, morale crisis in wake of Operation Lone Star at Texas borderRecent reports from the Army Times into poor conditions and an uptick in suicides among Texas National Guard soldiers tied to Operation Lone Star has state lawmakers concerned over how the soldiers are being treated.
Texas lawmakers deplore mistreatment of National Guardsmen sent to border duty
Read full article: Texas lawmakers deplore mistreatment of National Guardsmen sent to border dutyLegislative leaders overseeing the Texas Military Department say they are looking into reports of suicides, habitual pay problems and poor working conditions on Gov. Greg Abbott's highly touted border mission.
Allen West blasts Gov. Greg Abbott over suicides, pay problems among National Guardsmen at the border
Read full article: Allen West blasts Gov. Greg Abbott over suicides, pay problems among National Guardsmen at the borderAbbott’s political challenger said guard members deployed to Operation Lone Star are facing late pay, being exposed to COVID-19, experiencing supply shortages and dealing with added stress that has led to multiple suicides tied to the mission.
Texas National Guard, DPS erect steel container wall along river in Eagle Pass
Read full article: Texas National Guard, DPS erect steel container wall along river in Eagle PassThe Texas National Guard and Department of Public Safety have put up a steel container wall along the Rio Grande River in Eagle Pass.
Gov. Greg Abbott orders Texas National Guard to help with migrant arrests at the border
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott orders Texas National Guard to help with migrant arrests at the borderIn a letter to the major general of the Texas National Guard, Abbott said “more manpower is needed” at the border.
Texans can now schedule free COVID-19 vaccine clinics for groups of 5 or more
Read full article: Texans can now schedule free COVID-19 vaccine clinics for groups of 5 or moreGov. Greg Abbott encouraged “groups of Texans who wish to get vaccinated as a business, family unit, friend group, or more” to schedule an event.
Texas National Guard deployed to get COVID-19 vaccines to homebound seniors
Read full article: Texas National Guard deployed to get COVID-19 vaccines to homebound seniorsSoldiers with the Texas National Guard worked at mobile COVID-19 testing site at Uhland Elementary School on June 18, 2020. Credit: Jordan Vonderhaar for The Texas TribuneNeed to stay updated on coronavirus news in Texas? Ad“The good news is there’s going to be a record amount of vaccines available across Texas this week with increasing numbers going forward,” he said. Officials have hinted the next group of vaccine eligible Texans could include teachers and other essential workers. AdThe program is modeled in part after the Save Our Seniors program in Corpus Christi, where Abbott made his remarks Thursday. There, some 2,000 doses have been given to homebound seniors through the local program, officials said.
Texas National Guard teams will vaccinate residents for COVID-19 in five rural counties, Gov. Greg Abbott announces
Read full article: Texas National Guard teams will vaccinate residents for COVID-19 in five rural counties, Gov. Greg Abbott announcesSoldiers with the Texas National Guard work at a drive-through COVID-19 testing center in Smithville on May 5, 2020. Greg Abbott announced Wednesday that National Guard troops will vaccinate residents in five rural counties as part of a new pilot program. (Credit: Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman via USA TODAY NETWORK)Starting Thursday, state mobile vaccination teams staffed by Texas National Guard members will be deployed to five rural Texas counties to administer coronavirus vaccines to qualified residents. National Guard teams will visit DeWitt, Marion, Real, Sherman and Starr counties as part of a newly-created State Mobile Vaccine Pilot Program announced by Gov. On Wednesday, President Biden ordered full reimbursement to states that use the National Guard to increase the pace of vaccinations nationally.
A week before the election, Texas National Guard prepares to deploy troops to cities
Read full article: A week before the election, Texas National Guard prepares to deploy troops to citiesThe Texas Army National Guard said Monday that up to 1,000 troops could be dispatched to cities across Texas ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Brandon Jones, a spokesperson for the Guard, said the deployment is not related to the election and troops would not be stationed at polling places. The newspaper reported that Guard members could arrive as soon as this weekend. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner has not been contacted by either Abbott or the Guard about the deployment, spokesperson Mary Benton told The Texas Tribune on Tuesday. Separately, the FBI’s field office in Dallas warned that far-right extremists could pose a violent threat in North Texas around the election.
Texas National Guard soldier dies in training at Fort Hood
Read full article: Texas National Guard soldier dies in training at Fort HoodFORT HOOD, Texas A Texas Army National Guard soldier has died during a training exercise at Fort Hood, according to the Texas Military Department. Bradley Moore, 36, of Mansfield died Thursday during land navigation training according to a news release on the department's website. The military is a family, and the entire Texas National Guard mourns with Sgt. Moores loved ones left behind.At least four Fort Hood Army soldiers have been found dead near the base since June, including Spc. Investigators have said Guillen was killed by a fellow soldier and foul play is suspected in Morales' death.
Texas governor activates state national guard amid George Floyd protests
Read full article: Texas governor activates state national guard amid George Floyd protestsAUSTIN, Texas Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Saturday activated the Texas National Guard and deployed state resources in response to the protests taking place regarding the death of George Floyd, a black man who was killed after a white police officer pressed a knee into his neck in Minnesota. Abbott sent resources to the cities of Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Austin to maintain public safety. DPS has sent more than 1,500 officers to assist local police departments and more resources will be provided as needed. As Texans exercise their 1st Amendment rights, it is imperative that order is maintained and private property is protected.
New Braunfels Fire Department to begin conducting COVID-19 tests at nursing homes
Read full article: New Braunfels Fire Department to begin conducting COVID-19 tests at nursing homesNEW BRAUNFELS – The New Braunfels Fire Department will begin conducting COVID-19 tests at four of Comal County’s six nursing homes. Greg Abbott to have Texas National Guard help disinfect nursing homesO’Connell said they will be testing about 1,200 people over the next four days. He said they will begin with testing staff. “Once they get most of the staff tested, the staff can then assist them in testing the residents,” O’Connell said. Thousands of Texas nursing home residents, staff have tested positive for coronavirusA spokesperson for Comal County said they haven’t had any positive test come from nursing homes yet.
Gov. Greg Abbott to have Texas National Guard help disinfect nursing homes
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott to have Texas National Guard help disinfect nursing homesGreg Abbott on Wednesday announced that he will have the Texas National Guard help to disinfect nursing homes to reduce the spread of COVID-19, per a press release. The disinfection teams will work in conjunction with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and will provide a boost to protecting Texans. “The Texas National Guard plays a crucial role in our ongoing response to COVID-19, and I am grateful for their work to address the unique challenges our nursing homes face during this pandemic,” Abbott said. “The Texas National Guard readily accepts this newest mission assignment,” said Major General Tracy Norris. We stand ready to continue to serve both here at home and abroad in the war fight.”The Texas National Guard was already providing personal protective equipment manufacturing support, food bank support, mobile COVID-19 testing, and points of distribution for essential items, the press release said.
About 30 Wilson County residents tested at COVID-19 mobile testing site
Read full article: About 30 Wilson County residents tested at COVID-19 mobile testing siteFLORESVILLE – Gillespie County and Wilson County were named as sites to be visited by the Texas National Guard for setting up mobile COVID-19 testing. So far in Wilson County, Floresville’s Frank M. Tejeda Texas State Veterans Home has seen several cases of the virus. At least 10 residents, 5 staff have COVID-19 at Floresville veteran’s home; 159 tests still pendingFloresville Mayor Cissy Gonzalez-Dippel said about 30 other Wilson County residents have been tested for the coronavirus so far. According to the governor’s office, the Texas National Guard mobile testing team has the capacity to test 150 people per day. Texas National Guard to deploy mobile testing sites across state, starting in Floresville, Fredericksburg
Texas National Guard to deploy mobile testing sites across state, starting in Floresville, Fredericksburg
Read full article: Texas National Guard to deploy mobile testing sites across state, starting in Floresville, FredericksburgSAN ANTONIO – More than 1,200 members of the Texas National Guard will fan out across the state and set up two dozen mobile COVID-19 testing sites, Governor Greg Abbott announced Monday. “The State of Texas continues to expand our COVID-19 testing capacities and ensure that communities across the Lone Star State have access to the resources they need,” said Abbott in an emailed statement. Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Texas National Guard will be mobilizing more than 1,200 personnel as part of COVID-19 mobile testing teams (MTT). “COVID-19 testing is a crucial mission in our fight against this virus,” said Maj. Gen. Tracy R. Norris, adjutant general of Texas, in an email statement. Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Texas National Guard will be mobilizing more than 1,200 personnel as part of COVID-19 mobile testing teams (MTT).