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The Governor of Texas, Greg Abbott , advances with its strategy to detain undocumented immigrants at all costs , not for immigration issues, but for invasion of property
First, the Republican implemented a disaster declaration allowing county and state police to detain immigrants , but they cannot do it based on immigration laws, something that is only the responsibility of officials of the Department of Homeland Security, so the governor guides the arrest accusing foreigners of trespassing on private property.
Besides of support from Florida and Ohio officials , who can only do surveillance work to intimidate the immigrants, Abbott also authorized National Guard soldiers to “ assist ”in the arrest of undocumented immigrants.
Abbott sent a letter to the Deputy General of the Texas National Guard, Tracy Norris , ordering their assistance with the arrest of migrants on charges related to the crisis at the border. Members of the National Guard will assist the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in these functions.
“ To respond to this disaster and ensure that the law is enforced at the border , more human power is needed, ”Abbott said in a statement. .
Using the power of the Texas Constitution, Abbott ordered the National Guard to assist with the arrest of migrants who violate the law by illegally crossing the border from Mexico and commenting on other crimes such as drug trafficking.
Last week, the Department of Criminal Justice of Texas reported that the first three migrants detained on trespassing charges after illegally crossing the border were sent to Dilley Prison.
By At the moment only are being detained men who travel alone and not families or minors who travel without any not from their parents or guardians.
The Val Verde County Attorney’s Office estimates that the number of arrests will increase rapidly and that could stop up to 50 migrants per day or more.
Last June Abbott announced that Texas would begin detaining migrants crossing the border illegally on charges of aggravated invasion based on an emergency order signed by the Republican politician. These charges can lead to a maximum sentence of up to one year in prison.
Texas has begun placing advertisements for “Do not pass” inside private properties on the border .
In full defiance of the president Joe Biden , Abbott is also raising private donations to continue construction of the border wall with Mexico.
Under Operation Lone Star, the Texas governor has dispatched nearly 1,000 DPS agents to the border counties.
With information from Efe