Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced that the state’s National Guard soldiers are currently undergoing training to operate airboats. This training is an integral part of Texas’ comprehensive efforts to enhance border security.
Texas National Guard soldiers are currently undergoing training in order to efficiently operate and maintain airboats that will be utilized to support Operation Lone Star along the Texas-Mexico border. This was stated by the Republican governor in a recent post on X, formerly known as Twitter, which was shared on Saturday.
Texas is actively employing various tools and strategies to ensure the security of its border.
An airboat is a watercraft that glides on the water’s surface, driven by a propeller similar to those found on aircraft. It is propelled by either an aircraft or car engine.
Abbott and President Joe Biden’s administration have had disagreements regarding immigration enforcement and the measures taken by the governor to reduce illegal crossings from Mexico.
As part of Operation Lone Star, Abbott’s multi-billion border mission, Texas has implemented several measures to secure the U.S.-Mexico border. This includes the installation of a floating barrier in the Rio Grande and the placement of razor wire along the border.
In January, the state of Texas took control of Shelby Park, the riverfront area in the border city of Eagle Pass. As part of their efforts to enforce immigration policies, Texas installed miles of razor wire and started denying access to U.S. Border Patrol agents. This move has further intensified the ongoing dispute between the state and the Biden administration regarding immigration enforcement.
According to the Justice Department, the wire hampers the government’s ability to patrol the border effectively and provide assistance to migrants in need of help.
The removal of the wire by Border Patrol agents was given the green light by the Supreme Court. Despite this, Abbott remained resolute, asserting that Texas possesses a “constitutional right to self-defense.” Furthermore, he announced plans to install additional razor wire along the border.
Earlier this week, the Supreme Court issued a temporary block on a recently passed Texas law that granted state law enforcement the authority to detain individuals suspected of illegal entry into the state.
Immigration has emerged as a prominent issue in the upcoming 2024 presidential election, prompting Abbott and Republicans to consistently criticize Biden’s border policies. In response, President Biden has been outspoken in his criticism of Republican lawmakers for rejecting a bipartisan border bill back in February. The bill aimed to address the issue of illegal crossings at the southern border.
In his response to Biden’s State of the Union address, Abbott criticized it as a mere spectacle aimed at persuading the American people that his administration is effectively safeguarding the nation.
Wednesday marked the three-year anniversary of the launch of Operation Lone Star, which aimed to safeguard our state and nation from the unprecedented surge of illegal immigration, criminals, and dangerous drugs like fentanyl that continue to flow across our southern border.
In a statement, he expressed his concern about the Biden administration’s lack of action in securing the border and preventing the entry of dangerous drugs and criminals. This has led to grieving families in Texas.
“Texas is committed to safeguarding our nation until President Biden fulfills his responsibilities as commander-in-chief and ensures border security. We will utilize all available resources and tactics to protect our country.”
