Texas Department of Public Safety troopers are making significant strides in Governor Greg Abbott’s border security mission, Operation Lone Star. The focus has been on arresting “special interest aliens” (SIAs), particularly men from countries of foreign concern, including Iran, a designated State Sponsor of Terrorism by the U.S. State Department.
Recent reports indicate that Texas DPS troopers have been successful in apprehending numerous SIAs in the past week. These individuals, classified as SIAs by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, are noncitizens with travel patterns that suggest a potential nexus to terrorism or other nefarious activities. While not all SIAs are terrorists, their travel behavior warrants further investigation.
In a recent operation on October 11, DPS troopers detained 165 foreign nationals in Quemado, with 14 identified as SIAs from Iran, Egypt, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The apprehended SIAs provided information in English, stating their origins and intended destinations in the United States.
Additionally, Texas DPS troopers have arrested 57 illegal foreign nationals for criminal trespass, representing various countries in Central and South America. Furthermore, the rescue of unaccompanied alien children (UACs) has been a priority, with DPS recovering 29 UACs between the ages of 10 and 17 on October 13, and 23 UACs, including 16 boys and seven girls, on October 14.
All UACs are transferred to Border Patrol for processing before being handed over to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement. However, HHS ORR has faced allegations of abuse, lack of sponsor vetting, and losing track of released UACs, prompting congressional investigations and scrutiny.
The efforts of Texas DPS under Operation Lone Star have been commendable, with over 900 UACs rescued so far. Border Patrol agents continue to rescue drugged UACs believed to have been abused and smuggled into the country.
On October 14, Texas DPS troopers apprehended a large group of illegal border crossers, including family units, UACs, and SIAs from Egypt and Turkey. This aligns with previous reports of SIAs from Turkey being arrested by troopers last month.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has introduced a bill requiring the publication of data on apprehended SIAs illegally entering the U.S. by the Department of Homeland Security, a move aimed at increasing transparency and accountability.
The ongoing efforts to address the influx of SIAs and illegal border crossings underscore the importance of border security and the need for robust enforcement measures. As the situation continues to evolve, Texas DPS remains vigilant in safeguarding the state’s borders and protecting national security interests.
