Sign up for The Brief, The Texas Tribune’s daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news. This article was reported and written in collaboration with States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization, and Stateline, a States Newsroom outlet covering trends in state policy.
Texas has sent thousands of soldiers to the border as part of Gov. Greg Abbott’s multibillion-dollar initiative Operation Lone Star. No border town has felt their presence more than Eagle Pass .
People in the city of about 30,000 have mixed feelings about being surrounded by troops. Some agree with the state’s Republican leaders that the armed forces — mostly standing at the edge of the river staring at Mexico — are needed to keep migrants from entering the country. Others see it as an unwanted invasion of their tight-knit community by the state.
“To me, it's just upsetting that they're messing everything up,” he said. “This is our ecosystem. This is what brings us life.” Maverick County Sheriff Tom Schmerber said neither he or his 34 deputies interact much with National Guard troops. Their presence in the community benefits the town when soldiers are off duty and spend money at restaurants and stores, he said.
Texas National Guard members load a boat into a pickup at the boat ramp in Shelby Park in Eagle Pass on Jan. 16, 2024. In the hours between dusk and dawn on a recent Monday, troops flew a drone overhead looking for migrants hiding in the brush. Others patrolled on foot, looking across the river, where empty gallons of water, shoes and bras left by migrants on their way north littered the dry riverbed.
Border Immigration Gov Greg Abbott Texas Texas National Guard Operation Lone Star
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Map Shows States With Movements to Leave United StatesThe New Hampshire Independence Movement said it is committed to making New Hampshire a 'free, independent and prosperous nation.'
Read more »
7 states sue Biden for forcing states to cover 'gender-transition' proceduresThe lawsuit refers to Section 1157 of the Affordable Care Act, which has seen expansions under President Joe Biden.
Read more »
Swing states: Why these 7 states could decide the 2024 presidential electionThese seven U.S. states have played key roles in past presidential elections, and it appears 2024 will be no different. Issues like inflation, abortion, and immigration will be top of mind for voters.
Read more »
Medicaid management system in Texas and other states is plagued by errorsSign up for The Brief, The Texas Tribune’s daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news.
Read more »
Study: Texas ranks among least self-sufficient U.S. statesSupporters of Texas' independence movement might want to rethink their plans after a new research report ranked the Lone Star State among the 10 least self-sufficient U.S. states. Indeed, the study published by online personal finance blog WalletHub placed Texas at No. 41 in its ability to go it alone.
Read more »
GOP-led states have sent hundreds of troops to Texas borderThe federal government has deployed National Guard to the border for years, but more than a dozen states have dug into their own budgets to send even more personnel
Read more »