Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott granted new powers on Sunday to the Texas National Guard in an agreement with Trump’s administration to conduct immigration arrests.
“Effective immediately. This boosts manpower for border security,” he said on X.
In a memorandum released by Abbott’s Office, Texas troops will be accompanied when enforcing the immigration policies by Customs and Border Protection agents. The state is also responsible for paying all costs associated with the collaboration.
Last month, the Department of Homeland Security authorized federal law enforcement agencies to assist in “investigating and locating undocumented migrants, as well as apprehending them.”
In January 2017, the Trump administration arrested more than 7,400 illegal immigrants in nine days. This was part of President Trump’s efforts to crack down on illegal immigration.
Ramiro Luna, of Somos Tejas in Dallas, a nonprofit that focuses on Latino civic engagement told the Texas Tribune that there is a lot of “fear” surrounding the deportations.
“Our community feels a threat, and we are doing our best to give information and peace of mind, but it is incredibly difficult. People are afraid to come to any gathering — even to get necessities.”
