Operation Lone Star, initiated in 2021 by Governor Greg Abbott, represents Texas’ most ambitious effort to address the ongoing border crisis. The operation, led by the Texas Military Department and Texas Department of Public Safety, involves a wide range of activities aimed at securing the Texas-Mexico border. These efforts include detecting and repelling illegal crossings, apprehending human smugglers and cartel gang members, and intercepting the flow of deadly drugs, such as fentanyl, into the United States. The Texas State Guard has played a vital role in this operation, working side by side with National Guards from states like Virginia, Tennessee, and Idaho, along with the U.S. Coast Guard and Texas National Guard, to provide critical support and manpower.
Since its inception, Operation Lone Star has yielded significant results. The multi-agency effort has led to over 516,300 illegal immigrant apprehensions and resulted in more than 45,300 criminal arrests, including over 39,400 felony charges. In the ongoing battle against the fentanyl crisis, Texas law enforcement has seized more than 505 million lethal doses of fentanyl during this border mission. Governor Abbott recently highlighted an article noting that illegal border crossings in Texas have significantly decreased since the launch of the operation in 2021. “Over the past two years, illegal immigration has gone down in the state of Texas by 72 percent,” said Governor Abbott. The Governor further praised the Texas Military for installing more than 100 miles of wire along the Texas-Mexico border to deter and repel illegal entry into the nation.
Throughout these missions, the Texas State Guard has been a steadfast partner, working in close collaboration with the National Guard to enhance the effectiveness of Operation Lone Star. Their commitment is evident in the many successful operations conducted alongside their counterparts, reflecting the dedication and resilience of the men and women serving in Texas’ State Defense Forces.
The Texas National Guard and Texas State Guard offer an opportunity for members of the Texas State Military to apply for full state active duty to support Operation Lone Star. To learn more and apply, click here. Soldiers & Airmen will receive full State Active Duty salary & benefits.
Here are some photos of the Texas State Guard working alongside the National Guard during these missions:
EL PASO, Texas –– Operation Lone Star Engineers install and reinforce Cheval de frise Barriers along the Texas–Mexico border to block illegal entry. #operationlonestar
EL PASO, Texas – This week, Texas Army National Guard and Texas State Guard Soldiers cleared vegetation growing in and around anti-climbing barriers and concertina wire along the banks of the Rio Grande River. Dense, entangled vegetation obscures the concertina wire, provides cover for illegal immigrants, traffickers and paraphernalia, and can compromise the barriers’ stability and effectiveness, especially after heavy rainfall.
EL PASO, Texas – Texas National Guard and State Guard Engineers emplace anti-climb barrier reinforcements along the Rio Grande River to block illegal border crossings. #operationlonestar
Texas National Guard engineers place wire and secure the line at Eagle Pass yesterday to prevent illegal crossings. #operationlonestar
Operation Lone Star personnel assigned to Task Force West reinforce razor wire barriers at the border.
Texas National Guard engineers in El Paso reinforce border barriers using triple strand razor wire.
