Texas Governor Greg Abbott renewed the state’s border security disaster proclamation on March 18, extending the declaration for dozens of counties and all affected state agencies. The renewal continues a series of proclamations first issued on May 31, 2021, which cited an ongoing and imminent threat due to increased unlawful crossings at the Texas-Mexico border.
The extension of this disaster proclamation matters because it maintains emergency powers and resources for local governments and state agencies responding to border-related challenges. It also keeps in effect all previous orders, directions, suspensions, and authorizations established since the original declaration.
“I do hereby renew the aforementioned proclamation and declare a disaster for Aransas, Atascosa, Bee, Brewster… Zapata, and Zavala Counties and for all state agencies affected by this disaster. All orders, directions, suspensions, and authorizations provided in the Proclamation of May 31, 2021, as amended and renewed in subsequent proclamations, are in full force and effect,” Abbott said in his official statement. The document was attested by Secretary of State Jane Nelson.
According to the official website, Governor Abbott’s office has contributed to Texas leading the nation in jobs growth and record employment levels. The office is based at the State Insurance Building in Austin according to its official site. Abbott was listed among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2024 according to the official website.
The governor’s priorities have included job creation, economic opportunities, education enhancement, protection of individual liberties, parental empowerment in schooling decisions, and southern border security according to his office. Since being elected in 2014 according to the official website, Abbott has led statewide efforts from his Austin headquarters while exercising authority across Texas according to his office.
Copies of this latest proclamation will be filed with applicable authorities as required by law. The continuation signals that border security remains a central focus for state leadership.
