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Governor Greg Abbott has announced the expansion of border security operations in Eagle Pass, Texas, with the construction of a new Forward Operating Base to house Texas National Guard soldiers responding to the border crisis initiated by President Joe Biden.
During a press conference in Eagle Pass, Governor Abbott emphasized the importance of enhancing border security capabilities, stating, "Texas is expanding our border security capabilities by building a new Texas Military Department base camp to increase and improve border security operations in this area."
Joining the Governor at the announcement were Adjutant General of Texas Major General Thomas Suelzer and Texas Border Czar Mike Banks. Major General Suelzer highlighted the improvements the new Forward Operating Base will bring, stating, "This will increase the ability for a larger number of Texas Military Department soldiers in Eagle Pass to operate more effectively and efficiently."
Border Czar Banks commended the efforts to provide better living conditions for Texas National Guard soldiers, stating, "To see those numbers decrease in Texas, it's a testament to what these soldiers and DPS are doing to secure the border. I applaud Governor Abbott for your leadership to stand up and do what the federal government continues to fail to do."
The Forward Operating Base, named Eagle, will be capable of housing up to 1,800 troops with the potential to accommodate an additional 500. The base camp will offer various amenities such as dining facilities, recreational spaces, WiFi access, individual soldier rooms, chaplaincy programs, and medical and psychological health facilities.
Governor Abbott has been actively involved in securing the border, taking various measures to address the crisis. These actions include allocating funds for border security, deploying Texas National Guard soldiers and DPS troopers, installing marine barriers along the Rio Grande River, and creating the Texas Tactical Border Force for targeted responses.
Furthermore, Governor Abbott has signed new laws to enhance border personnel training, combat human trafficking, and address the fentanyl crisis. He has also activated the Joint Border Security Operations Center and issued a disaster declaration for the border crisis.
These efforts highlight Governor Abbott's commitment to protecting Texas amid the challenges posed by illegal border crossings and the federal government's inaction in securing the border.