Press Releases

AUSTIN – On this Veterans Day, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) proudly recognizes the more than 2,100 veterans across the department who now continue their commitment to serve by protecting the people of Texas.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announces the capture of Bobby Michael Dennis – the man wanted in the shooting of a Jacksonville Police Officer and her K-9, and subject of last week’s Blue Alert. The Officer and K-9 were both injured in the shooting and are now recovering. Dennis was arrested on November 5. A Texas Crime Stoppers reward will not be paid for his capture.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announces the conclusion of its 90 Days of Safety campaign, a three-part public safety initiative launched on Aug. 11 in honor of the department’s 90th Anniversary. The three-month-long initiative ended on Nov. 9.

AUSTIN – Today, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) proudly graduates nine new K-9 teams and four certified K-9 Tech Trainers, who are now set to deploy across Texas. These teams will serve as a critical resource in enhancing public safety, supporting narcotics and explosive detection, tracking operations and broader law enforcement efforts.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is now allowing many Texas seniors the option to voluntarily surrender their driver license (DL) and apply for an identification (ID) card online or by phone.

AUSTIN – Texas 10 Most Wanted Criminal Illegal Immigrant Ismael Arias – a convicted child sex offender from Cuba – is this month’s Featured Fugitive. The reward for information leading to his arrest is increased to $4,000 during November if the tip is received this month.

AUSTIN – As Election Day approaches, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) urges Texans to stay alert and download the iWatchTexas mobile app to report any suspicious activity this election season. iWatchTexas empowers with the ability to report suspicious behavior that could indicate potential threats to public safety, ensuring that everyone can take an active role in keeping their communities and families safe.

EL PASO – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Criminal Investigations Division (CID), in collaboration with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), have made several arrests following a year-long human trafficking investigation in El Paso Co. – including an attorney believed to be representing some of those involved.

WESLACO – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) captured a confirmed Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang member and deported felon during Operation Lone Star in Hidalgo Co. last week.

AUSTIN – After nearly three decades of investigation, law enforcement officials have identified the now-deceased suspect who they believe raped several elderly women in Bastrop Co. between 1997 and 2005.

AUSTIN – As part of the Texas Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) Keeping Texas Families Safe initiative, the department is reminding all Texans of steps they can take to stay safe this Halloween.

AUSTIN – Three of Texas’ 10 Most Wanted are back in custody following their recent arrests. Authorities captured Ryan Lewis in Milam Co., Tommie Kelly in Harris Co. and Tyler Palmer in Wichita Co. on Oct. 15, 22 and 23, respectively. A Crime Stoppers reward will not be paid in any of these arrests.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is proud to announce that its Aircraft Operations Division (AOD) has been named the recipient of the 2025 Leadership in Police Aviation Award by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). The award was presented during the IACP Annual Awards Banquet at the Denver Convention Center on Tuesday, Oct. 21, as a part of the 2025 IACP Annual Conference.

DEL RIO – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) captured a criminal illegal immigrant from Mexico on a private ranch while working Operation Lone Star in Kinney Co. last weekend.

DEL RIO – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) captured a criminal illegal immigrant and convicted child sex offender from Mexico during an Operation Lone Star traffic stop in Maverick Co.