Texas Governor Greg Abbott has instructed the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to strengthen public safety and homeland security measures throughout the state. This decision comes as violence from Mexican drug cartels intensifies, creating what officials describe as an increasing risk to people in Texas.
“Mexican drug cartels pose a significant threat to public safety and national security,” said Governor Abbott. “By increasing proactive efforts to defend against cartel violence, Texas will continue to utilize every tool and strategy to protect our state and our nation. We will not cower to criminals who impose terror on our fellow Texans and Americans.”
Under the governor’s orders, DPS will deploy more personnel from various divisions—including the Texas Highway Patrol, Texas Rangers, Criminal Investigations Division, and Special Operations Group—to border areas. These units are tasked with identifying, intercepting, and arresting individuals involved in criminal activity while also working to prevent cross-border threats. The Tactical Marine Unit and Aircraft Operations Division will also expand their operations along the border.
Additional staff from DPS’s Homeland Security Division and the Texas Fusion Center will be assigned to monitor social media platforms and reports of suspicious activity around the clock.
Governor Abbott has encouraged Texans currently in Mexico or those with loved ones there to heed travel warnings issued by the U.S. Department of State due to ongoing security actions, road blockages, and crime across Mexico.
Texans needing urgent help can contact either the U.S. Department of State or the Texas Fusion Center for assistance.
The Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott is headquartered in Austin at the State Insurance Building according to its official website (https://gov.texas.gov/). Since his election in 2014, Greg Abbott has led statewide initiatives focused on job creation, education improvement, protecting individual liberties, parental involvement in schools, economic opportunity expansion, and securing the southern border (https://gov.texas.gov/). Under his leadership, Texas has seen notable achievements such as leading national job growth and record employment levels (https://gov.texas.gov/), as well as recognition for Governor Abbott himself among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2024 (https://gov.texas.gov/).
The Office exercises authority throughout Texas while delivering services statewide (https://gov.texas.gov/).
