Operation Lone Star: In the News

May 25, 2023

 

GA Border Tour

(Photo above courtesy of Getty Images)

As part of Operation Lone Star (OLS) and under the direction of Governor Abbott, DPS continues its presence, including air, ground, marine and tactical security assets, along the border to combat the smuggling of people and drugs into Texas.

OLS Mission

 

OPERATION LONE STAR: QUICK FACTS

  • Since the launch of Operation Lone Star, the multi-agency effort has led to over 530,600 illegal immigrant apprehensions. In addition, OLS has resulted in more than 50,000 criminal arrests, with more than 43,000 felony charges reported.
  • In the fight against the fentanyl crisis, Texas law enforcement has seized more than 622 million lethal doses of fentanyl during this border mission — that's enough to kill every man, woman, and child in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

*Numbers as of 01/17/2025.

OPERATION LONE STAR: NEWS FROM THE OFFICE OF GOVERNOR GREG ABBOTT

In the fight against the fentanyl crisis, Texas law enforcement has seized over 622 million lethal doses of fentanyl—enough to kill every man, woman, and child in the United States, Mexico, and Canada combined during this border mission.

Fentanyl Seizures

 

Governor Greg Abbott announced that the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) arrested four confirmed members of Tren de Aragua (TdA) as they attempted to illegally cross the border into Texas on New Year’s Eve.
 
“Our top priority is the safety and security of Texans, including against the growing threat of Tren de Aragua," said Governor Abbott. “Earlier this week, Texas Department of Public Safety troopers identified and arrested four vicious TdA gang members attempting to illegally cross the border from Mexico into the state. I designated TdA as a foreign terrorist organization, and we will not tolerate this gang operating or gaining a foothold in Texas.”

TdA Gang Members

The confirmed TdA gang members arrested on New Year’s Eve include Segundo Ocando-Mejia, 39; Pedro Luis Salazar-Cuervo, 27; Antonio Joe Urruttia-Rojas, 18; and Levi Jesus Urrutia-Blanco, 18. Ocando-Mejia had tattoos on his shoulders indicating he may hold rank or leadership within the gang.

Governor Greg Abbott today unveiled the state's new billboard campaign in Central America and Mexico to dissuade migrants from making the dangerous journey to illegally cross the border into Texas during a press conference next to a burned down rape tree at Wall Ranch in Eagle Pass.

GA Press Event

 

“Today, we’re here to talk about a new campaign to deter illegal immigration into Texas,” said Governor Abbott. “Yesterday, we began putting up dozens of billboards throughout Mexico and Central America. They give potential illegal immigrants thinking of leaving their home country – and those already on the way – a realistic picture of what will happen to them on their journey or if they illegally cross into Texas. These billboards tell the horror stories of human trafficking. They implore those people in Central America to consider the violent, horrific realities of what will happen to the women and children they bring with them. Through Operation Lone Star, we have done some incredible work to stop illegal border crossers. But this new effort is about stopping their journey from even beginning in the first place.”

Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Office of the Governor’s Public Safety Office is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of known or suspected members of the dangerous Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA) who have been or are involved in criminal activity and pose an increasing danger to the public safety of Texans.

“Tren de Aragua has spread terror and carnage in every country they've been in, and Texas will not allow them to gain a foothold in our state,” said Governor Abbott. “Today, I am announcing a reward for any information that leads to the identification and arrest of known or suspected members of this gang who have been or are involved in heinous crimes. Texas will not let these thugs use our state as a base of operations to terrorize our citizens. I encourage anyone with information on Tren de Aragua to call the Texas Crime Stoppers hotline or submit an anonymous tip online. With the public’s help, combined with the hard work of federal, state, and local law enforcement, we will capture these dangerous gang members and put them behind bars for good.”

 To be eligible for the cash rewards, tipsters must provide information to authorities using one of the following methods:

TdA Press Conference Governor Abbott

 

Governor Greg Abbott today announced that Texas is launching a comprehensive, statewide operation that will aggressively target the dangerous Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA) to disrupt their criminal operations and deny their foothold in the state during a press conference in Houston. 

Speaking at the Texas Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) Southeast Texas Regional Headquarters, the Governor also designated TdA as a foreign terrorist organization, directing DPS to elevate them to a Tier 1 gang and to create a TdA Strike Team that will identify and arrest TdA gang members.

“The recent entry and expansion of the vicious Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua, is a dangerous and deadly problem facing our state and nation,” said Governor Abbott. “Our top focus is the safety and security of all Texans. To address this looming threat, I have ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety to launch a statewide operation directly targeting Tren de Aragua to deter and disrupt their criminal operation. I am also officially designating Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization. Our goal is to defend Texas from the growing threat of the gang. We will not let them use Texas as a base of operations to terrorize our citizens. They have a target on their back, and we are going after them. Texas is the wrong state for them to try to do business in.” 

The Governor was joined at the press conference by DPS Director Steve McCraw, Texas Border Czar Mike Banks, and National Border Patrol Council Vice President Chris Cabrera. 

“Tren de Aragua gangsters are like cockroaches,” said DPS Director McCraw. “They multiply quickly; small intrusions into communities become infestations if not aggressively pursued. These Venezuelan thugs are highly combative, violent, and certainly adaptable. They’re always involved in situations that first start with human smuggling. Then they are involved in the extortion, kidnappings, rape, assaults, and sex trafficking of migrants. Governor Abbott has made it very clear: We will not allow any of these gangsters to gain a foothold in Texas.”

In the fight against the fentanyl crisis, Texas law enforcement has seized over 504 million lethal doses of fentanyl, enough to kill every man, woman, and child in the United States and Mexico combined during this border mission. 

Fentanyl seizures

 

Earlier this week, Governor Abbott spotlighted an article reporting illegal border crossings in Texas have significantly deceased since the launch of Operation Lone Star in 2021. 
 
Texas has seen a 74% decrease in illegal crossings due to the state’s unprecedented border security efforts.

Governor Greg Abbott today launched Texas’ 10 Most Wanted Criminal Illegal Immigrants List. Created in partnership with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), this list is a new initiative to locate and arrest repeat offenders who have entered the country illegally and are wanted for dangerous crimes committed in Texas.

 

Funded by the Governor’s Public Safety Office, Texas Crime Stoppers will offer cash rewards to any person who provides information that leads to the arrest of one of Texas’ 10 Most Wanted Criminal Illegal Immigrants. Similar to other Texas 10 Most Wanted lists, fugitives from the Texas 10 Most Wanted Criminal Illegal Immigrants List may be selected as the department’s monthly featured fugitive.

Most wanted

 

OOG Base

Governor Greg Abbott today toured Texas’ new Forward Operating Base and welcomed the first 300 Texas National Guard soldiers moving into the base camp in Eagle Pass. Following the tour, the Governor held a press conference highlighting Texas’ historic border security efforts and outlining how the new base camp will help soldiers deployed on Operation Lone Star.

"Over the past two years, illegal immigration has gone down in the state of Texas by 72 percent," said Governor Abbott. "That drastic decrease is a direct result of the deterrence that has been established by the Texas National Guard. Troops deployed on Operation Lone Star have been scattered for miles across the region, having to drive miles to work and miles back to where they're staying later that night. It has been an inefficient method of housing our soldiers, and this base camp will provide the type of housing and standards of living that both improve the quality of life for the men and women in uniform securing our border and allow Texas to have a permanent presence on the southern border. About 300 soldiers are moving in today, and more will arrive here soon. Texas will not stop until we gain full operational control of the border."

Texas continues to hold the line in El Paso following a recent surge of illegal immigrants, deploying additional personnel and resources to bolster border security efforts in the region.

OOG border

The Governor praised the Texas National Guard for installing more than 100 miles of wire along the Texas-Mexico border to deter and repel illegal entry into the nation.

“I have to applaud our National Guard for stepping up and laying down that more than 100 miles of razor wire," said Governor Abbott. "It is an effective barrier that denies illegal entry.

Border mission plane

Earlier this week, Governor Abbott touted Operation Lone Star’s border security efforts that have decreased illegal crossings in Texas. The Governor pointed to Texas’ comprehensive border security tools and strategies as the primary reasons that illegal crossings are going down in Texas, while other border states like New Mexico and California are experiencing increases in illegal immigration.

On Wednesday, Governor Abbott highlighted the third anniversary of Operation Lone Star and Texas' continued efforts to hold the line.

 

Border Invasion

 

Governor Abbott today announced that Texas is establishing a Forward Operating Base in the Del Rio sector to house Texas National Guard soldiers during a press conference in Eagle Pass.

"Before now, the Texas National Guard had been scattered across this entire region in cramped quarters, away from fellow soldiers, and sometimes traveling long distances to do their job," said Governor Abbott. "This base camp is going to dramatically improve conditions for our soldiers.”

2.16.24 OOG OLS

 

OLS Press Conference

 

Governor Greg Abbott today signed into law a transformative package of border security legislation passed during Special Session #3 and Special Session #4 of the 88th Texas Legislature at the Texas border wall in Brownsville. These three new laws will bolster Texas’ unprecedented border security efforts and crackdown on human smuggling, deter the flow of illegal border crossings, and protect the lives and property of Texans by funding the ongoing construction of Texas’ border wall.

HIstoric Border Security Measure Signing

 

DPS seized more than 14 pounds of heroin during a traffic stop in Webb County on Wednesday. DPS’ Criminal Investigations Division (CID), with the assistance from the Texas Highway Patrol (THP), stopped a vehicle on I-35 for a traffic violation. During a vehicle search, the THP trooper discovered a total of six plastic-wrapped bundles containing heroin concealed inside the vehicle.

The driver and passenger, both residents of El Paso, were placed under arrest and charged with felony possession of a controlled substance. DPS’ CID is further investigating this case.

Drug Smuggling Case

 

DPS special agents from the Criminal Investigations Division assigned to Operation Lone Star seized weapons, body armor, and ammunition from a human smuggling ring with ties to the Nuevo Cartel De Juarez and La Linea Cartel operating in West Texas and New Mexico. Agents first identified a human smuggling organization in October.

The extensive investigation and collaboration with other law enforcement agencies resulted in the seizure of 10 firearms, body armor and thousands of rounds of ammunition.

Border Seizure

 

DPS troopers and Texas National Guard soldiers secured Fronton Island in the Rio Grande River to gain operational control and prevent cross-border criminal activity from Mexican cartels.

The island has long been known as a hotspot for cartel smuggling operations involving narcotics, weapons, money, and high-value individuals. The densely wooded island provided concealment for transnational criminal activity and has been a problem for decades according to law enforcement familiar with the area.

Fronton Island

 

Governor Abbott is ramping up construction of the state's historic border wall to protect Texans. This week, new sections of Texas’ border wall went up in Cameron and Maverick counties. Texas is the first and only state in U.S. history to build its own border wall.

10.2023 OOG Border Barrier

 

DPS Lt. Chris Olivarez described law enforcement efforts on Fronton Island, including the use of DPS drones to scan the area and establishing security points on the island to prevent cartels from smuggling dangerous drugs like fentanyl, weapons, and high-interest criminals across the river into Texas.

“We’ve been talking about it for years, that’s why we have to look at it as a much broader issue than just immigration,” said Lt. Olivarez. “We need to focus on the threats, not only to public safety, but with a national security aspect and how close these cartels are operating to Texas. It validates every single piece of evidence of how these cartels are operating, not only in Mexico, but in the United States, especially in Texas.”

10.6.2023 OOG OLS

 

Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Week Among the many illicit drugs afflicting communities across America today, fentanyl is the single deadliest drug crisis our state—and nation—has ever encountered.  

In recent years, the drug has gained traction as an illicit substance, resulting in a dramatic rise in fentanyl-related fatalities.  Fentanyl is now the leading killer of Americans between the ages of 18 and 45.  Fentanyl-related deaths in Texas increased over 500% from 2019 to 2022, taking the lives of more than 4,800 unsuspecting Texans in just three years and leaving untold numbers to cope with sudden loss.

Under our historic border security mission, Operation Lone Star, Texas has seized more than enough fentanyl to kill every man, woman, and child in America.  Despite this progress, deadly fentanyl is still being smuggled into Texas communities from Mexico.

Fentanyl is a scourge, with Mexican drug cartels strategically manufacturing and distributing the drug disguised as painkillers, stimulants, anti-anxiety drugs, and even candy.  Victims of fentanyl poisoning are unaware that an alleged prescription pill or other substance they bought online or received at a party is laced with the deadly drug.

Therefore, I, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, do hereby proclaim October 2023 to be Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month in Texas and urge all Texans to observe the occasion with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

Governor Greg Abbott held a press conference in Eagle Pass with Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem to provide an update on their joint efforts under Texas' Operation Lone Star.

"These Governors here with me today are deploying military and law enforcement officers to help Texas secure the border," said Governor Abbott.

Prior to the press conference, Governor Abbott held a border security briefing with his fellow Governors where they received updates from Director McCraw, Major General Suelzer, and Border Czar Banks on the multitude of effective strategies used by Operation Lone Star to secure the border, including Texas' floating marine barriers installed in the Rio Grande River. 

During the briefing, Governor Abbott thanked the Governors for their support in Texas' Operation Lone Star border security mission and highlighted the value of their states' resources being used to secure the border and curtail the influx of illegal immigration, dangerous weapons, and deadly drugs like fentanyl coming into Texas from Mexico.

Director McCraw outlined the success of Operation Lone Star's border security efforts, noting that just DPS alone has seized over 426 million lethal doses of deadly fentanyl—enough to kill every man, woman, and child in America. He also highlighted the importance of state law enforcement along the border, pointing to their critical role in supporting Border Patrol agents as the first line of defense against surges of illegal immigration between ports of entry.

08.2023 Border Briefing

 

In a joint effort, DPS Texas Rangers Special Operations Group seized 120 pounds of cocaine valued at $3.8 million. Rangers detected the drugs while conducting drone aerial surveillance. Drone operators guided DPS Special Operations Group and agents to the illegal drugs, which were turned over to Border Patrol.

The Office of the Governor today issued a joint statement from Texas Border Czar Mike Banks, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Steve McCraw, and Texas Adjutant General Major General Thomas Suelzer following reporting on directives given under Operation Lone Star:

"No orders or directions have been given under Operation Lone Star that would compromise the lives of those attempting to cross the border illegally. The Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas Military Department continue taking steps to monitor migrants in distress, provide appropriate medical attention when needed, and encourage them to use one of the 29 international bridges along the Texas-Mexico Border where they can safely and legally cross."

Governor Greg Abbott today signed four laws to combat the growing national fentanyl crisis passed during the 88th Regular Legislative Session at the Texas Capitol. The laws signed by the Governor today represent a significant step in the state's fight against the deadly opioid that will prosecute fentanyl deaths as murder, ensure death certificates reflect when people are poisoned by fentanyl, provide more life-saving NARCAN to Texas colleges and universities, and educate young Texans about the dangers of fentanyl.

“The fentanyl epidemic has taken far too many innocent lives, but thanks to the work by brave parents and loved ones, like those here today, we have made Texans aware of this crisis,” said Governor Abbott.

June Fentanyl

 

Governor Greg Abbott hosted nine of his fellow Governors for a border security briefing to provide an update on the ongoing crisis and share insights into Texas' unprecedented response. Adjutant General of the Texas Military Department Major General Thomas Suelzer, Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw, and Texas Border Czar Mike Banks participated in the border security briefing and provided on-the-ground intelligence about the border crisis.

During the briefing, Governor Abbott provided an overview of Texas' comprehensive Operation Lone Star border security mission and explained effective tools and strategies the State of Texas has utilized to deter and repel illegal immigration along the southern border.

Director McCraw discussed ways Mexican drug cartels control the illegal drug market, including smuggling in deadly fentanyl. Director McCraw noted that the State of Texas and DPS prepared for mass migration scenarios.

Border Briefing

 

Governor Greg Abbott today thanked Texas National Guard soldiers and Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers for their selfless service at the southern border and provided an update on Texas' response to the ongoing border crisis during a press conference in Brownsville.

“I’m here in Brownsville today to thank the hardworking men women who are defending our border for their bravery and courage,” said Governor Abbott. “Their extraordinary efforts have had a direct effect of keeping illegal immigrants out of Texas. These men and women in uniform here today, they're considered to be heroes by their fellow Americans. They should be proud of what they've done. I'm proud of what they've done. I thank all the Texas Department of Public Safety troopers and Texas National Guard soldiers for working around the clock to hold the line and defend our border."

Governor Abbott Applauds Texas National Guard, DPS For Combating Border Crisis

 

Governor Abbott announced the deployment of the new Texas Tactical Border Force to the Texas-Mexico border to respond to the growing border crisis. The Governor is enhancing Texas’ unprecedented border security efforts with the tactical deployment of hundreds of Texas National Guard soldiers to join the thousands already deployed as part of Operation Lone Star and serve on the new border force for targeted responses as the nation braces for an expected spike in illegal immigration.

Tactical Border Force

DPS troopers deployed under Operation Lone Star have stopped more than 8,700 human smuggling attempts since Governor Abbott launched the mission two years ago. Without Texas’ historic efforts, hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants, weapons, and deadly drugs like fentanyl would have flowed into our country.

Brush team

Governor Abbott on Wednesday announced that DPS seized over 3.1 million lethal doses of fentanyl, or about 14 pounds, during a single Operation Lone Star traffic stop in Mission. This seizure marks one of the largest single fentanyl seizures by the border mission to date.

"Fentanyl is the single greatest drug threat our state and country has ever known, and this record amount of fentanyl seized would have otherwise made its way into communities across Texas and the nation," said Governor Abbott. "Through Texas' historic Operation Lone Star mission, a DPS trooper prevented 3.1 million lethal doses of fentanyl—enough to kill every Texan in Austin, Dallas, and El Paso combined—from taking more innocent lives during a single traffic stop."

Fentanyl seizure

Governor Abbott today announced two major statewide initiatives to combat the growing national fentanyl crisis and save innocent lives in Texas during his One Pill Kills Summit in Austin.

During a press conference following panel discussions, the Governor unveiled a new $10 million multimedia awareness initiative through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to educate Texans on how to prevent, recognize, and reverse fentanyl poisonings as part of the statewide "One Pill Kills" campaign. The Governor also announced the plan to distribute Naloxone (NARCAN) to all 254 Texas counties by the Texas Division of Emergency Management.

One Pill Kills SummitEl Paso Border

 

Two years ago, Governor Abbott launched Operation Lone Star to combat the escalating border crisis. The State of Texas is taking historic actions to protect Texans from transnational criminal activity and illegal immigration.

OLS Two Year

 

“As an award-winning Border Patrol Agent, with decades of federal law enforcement and border security experience, Mike is the perfect choice to oversee Texas' fight against the surge of illegal immigration, lethal drugs, and deadly weapons flowing into our state and nation,” said Governor Abbott.

OOG Border Czar

 

"The State of Texas continues taking unprecedented action to deescalate and decrease the influx of dangerous criminals, illegal weapons, and deadly drugs like fentanyl into our country," said Governor Abbott.

GA Border Tour

During a press conference following the tour, Governor Abbott detailed the decisive actions taken by the State of Texas to combat the growing national fentanyl crisis, including designating Mexican drug cartels as a terrorist organizations, signing legislation into law that makes it a felony to make or distribute fentanyl, and launching the "One Pill Kills" campaign to raise awareness of this deadly drug across the state.

Governor Greg Abbott today ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and Texas Military Department (TMD) to expand their unprecedented efforts to combat the growing illegal immigration along the Texas-Mexico border. In a letter to DPS Director Steve McCraw and TMD Adjutant General Thomas Suelzer, the Governor outlined the need for the Operation Lone Star partners to defend Texas against what amounts to an invasion of America's southern border.

GA

 

Governor Greg Abbott today announced the launch of the State of Texas' coordinated "One Pill Kills" campaign to combat the growing national fentanyl crisis plaguing Texas and the United States. This announcement comes after Governor Abbott directed state agencies to ramp up efforts to combat the deadly fentanyl crisis last month.

One pill kills

 

"Fentanyl remains the single deadliest drug threat our state and nation has ever encountered, killing four Texans every day," said Governor Abbott. "Fentanyl is a clandestine killer, with Mexican drug cartels strategically manufacturing and distributing the drug disguised as painkillers, stimulants, anti-anxiety drugs, and even candy.

To learn more about DPS' efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis, visit DPS' One Pill Kills webpage.

Governor Abbott announced aggressive actions by the State of Texas to secure the border in the wake of President Biden's decision to end Title 42 expulsions. Governor Abbott has directed TDEM to charter buses and flights to transport migrants to Washington, D.C. Governor Abbott has also directed DPS to conduct enhanced safety inspections of vehicles, effective immediately, as they cross international ports of entry into Texas.

Governor Abbott also announced additional strategies being deployed immediately to secure the border. DPS and the Texas Military Department (TMD) are preparing additional boat blockades, deploying razor-wire at low-water crossings and high-traffic areas, and installing container blockades to stem the flow of illegal crossings. Additionally, all DPS troopers and specially trained Texas National Guard soldiers will be given riot gear in case of violence among caravans and migrants.

OLS Update

 

Governor Greg Abbott, DPS and the Texas National Guard are continuing to work together to secure the border, stop the smuggling of drugs, weapons, and people into Texas, and prevent, detect, and interdict transnational criminal behavior between ports of entry. 

Since the launch of Operation Lone Star (OLS), multi-agency efforts have led to more than 225,000 migrant apprehensions, along with more than 13,027 criminal arrests — and more than 10,400 felony charges. Over 3,500 weapons and almost $30 million in currency have been seized. In the fight against fentanyl, DPS has seized over 289 million lethal doses throughout the state.

Operation Lone Star

 

Officially launched on March 4, 2021, Operation Lone Star integrates DPS assets, including Texas Highway Patrol Troopers, Special Agents, Texas Rangers, Rotary and Fixed Winged Aircraft and Tactical Boat Teams, along with the Texas National Guard and local law enforcement to secure the border.

"Texans have never backed down from a challenge, and we won't start now, because our efforts are stemming the tide of illegal drugs and criminals flooding into Texas. Thank you to the many men and women who are protecting our southern border, including the DPS troopers, Texas National Guardsmen, Texas sheriffs, and all the law enforcement officers who serve and protect us every day." - Governor Abbott

Governor Abbott released a video to commemorate the achievements of the mission, Texas law enforcement, and soldiers.

Gov. Abbott Video Message

 

"I want to say thank you to the men and women of the Texas Department of Public Safety for all that you do to keep Texans safe. DPS has a legendary place in Texas history, and at this moment in time, you play a more pivotal role than ever before as we work to secure the border through Operation Lone Star. Your work to secure the border, arrest dangerous criminals and crack down on human traffickers is saving lives, and it is making a difference in making our communities safer. Texas thanks you for your service."

Abbott video

 

Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) today launched Operation Lone Star to combat the smuggling of people and drugs into Texas. The Operation integrates DPS with the Texas National Guard and deploys air, ground, marine, and tactical border security assets to high threat areas to deny Mexican Cartels and other smugglers the ability to move drugs and people into Texas.

“The crisis at our southern border continues to escalate because of Biden Administration policies that refuse to secure the border and invite illegal immigration,” said Governor Abbott. “Texas supports legal immigration but will not be an accomplice to the open border policies that cause, rather than prevent, a humanitarian crisis in our state and endanger the lives of Texans. We will surge the resources and law enforcement personnel needed to confront this crisis.”

OOG OLS

 

Governor Greg Abbott today announced the expansion of Operation Lone Star to include efforts to crack down on human trafficking related to illegal border crossings. As part of this expansion, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers and agents, as well as the Texas Rangers, will conduct interviews with unaccompanied minors who crossed the border to identify victims of human trafficking and gain actionable intelligence that will aid in the arrest of traffickers.

OLS-June 10

 

Governor Greg Abbott today hosted a Border Security Summit in Del Rio where he announced a new comprehensive border security plan to crack down on illegal border crossings in Texas. The Governor was joined for the summit by Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd, Major General Tracy Norris of the Texas Military Department, and Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw. 

 

OPERATION LONE STAR | DPS REGIONAL COVERAGE:

 

OPERATION LONE STAR: NEWS COVERAGE

Check out some of the recent news coverage of Operation Lone Star below.

  • FOX: Texas K-9 units train for border control missions

    DPS K-9 teams play a vital role in protecting public safety across the state — and particularly along the border as part of #OperationLoneStar. Fox News' Sarah Alegre joined DPS to see firsthand how our K-9s learn the skills they need to protect and serve Texas. From interdicting fugitives to drugs to explosives, our K-9s are prepared to handle anything that comes their way. 

  • News 4 (WOAI) San Antonio | DPS' Border Mounted Patrol Unit: Behind-the-Scenes 

    DPS’ Border Mounted Patrol Unit goes where others cannot — often traversing challenging terrain along the border that isn’t reachable by vehicle. It’s all part of our work under Gov. Abbott's Operation Lone Star to secure the border. Launched last year, DPS’ Border Mounted Patrol Unit supplements the work of our Troopers on the ground and assists with locating and apprehending criminals along the border. Watch today’s video from News 4 San Antonio for a behind-the-scenes look at how DPS Troopers and their equine partners navigate rugged border terrain as they work to secure the border and protect Texas communities.

DPS’ new Border Mounted Patrol Unit, which graduated its inaugural class on Nov. 22, made its first apprehension in Maverick County this week. Working with a DPS K-9, the Border Mounted Patrol Unit apprehended two illegal immigrants after a nearly 11-mile track. The two illegal immigrants, from Mexico, were attempting to evade capture by traversing through multiple ranches. 

A smuggler in a Ford F-350 led DPS Troopers on a high-speed pursuit on IH-35 in La Salle County. During the pursuit, the smuggler, Alberto Hernandez, from San Antonio, drove off the road and bailed out before the vehicle came to a stop after crashing into the center median. With assistance from Border Patrol, Hernandez was located and arrested. 14 illegal immigrants were found concealed within the compartments of his vehicle. Hernandez was charged with 14 counts of smuggling of persons and evading arrest. All 14 illegal immigrants from Mexico were referred to Border Patrol. 

A smuggler in a black Ford F-150 led DPS Troopers on a high-speed pursuit on IH-35 in La Salle County on Wednesday. During the pursuit, the smuggler, Kevin Cruz Diaz, an illegal immigrant from El Salvador, evaded recklessly. After DPS Troopers successfully deployed a tire deflation device, Diaz stopped and was arrested. He is charged with ten counts of smuggling of persons with a firearm, evading arrest, theft of a firearm and possession of controlled substances. Troopers referred all 10 illegal immigrants from Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras to Border Patrol.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is proud to announce the launch of its first-ever Border Mounted Patrol Unit, a dedicated team of highly trained Texas Highway Patrol (THP) Troopers paired with equine partners who are equipped to address the unique challenges of patrolling Texas’ rugged border terrain. Today, DPS celebrated the launch by graduating the inaugural 3E Mounted Horse Patrol Class, which will continue to enhance border security through strategic on-the-ground efforts. 

Border Mounted Patrol Unit

 

“This marks a historic moment for the Texas Department of Public Safety as we continue to innovate and strengthen our efforts to protect the people of Texas,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “The launch of the Border Mounted Patrol Unit and the graduation of its inaugural class represents our unwavering commitment to enhancing border security utilizing unique and adaptive strategies.” 

The new border unit will enhance border security efforts by supplementing ground troops and leveraging the horse’s unique capabilities in challenging terrain. Working in close coordination with local, state and federal partners, 3E will assist in locating and apprehending individuals attempting to circumvent established border checkpoints. 

AUSTIN – A confirmed Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang member is now in custody following his arrest on Monday, Oct. 7, by Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Special Agents in Houston. 

Working in collaboration with the Houston Police Department and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), DPS arrested Jorgenys Robertson Cova, 32, an illegal immigrant from Venezuela, and took him into custody.

Jorgenys Robertson Cova, 32,

Cova was arrested after a DPS Special Agent assigned to the Houston Texas Anti-Gang Center (TAG) was notified of a suspected TdA member living in the Houston area in late September. The suspect, who was identified as Cova, was scheduled for an asylum hearing in Houston on Oct. 7.

Lt. Olivarez Media

 

On Monday, Sept. 16, a DPS Trooper stopped a Ford F-250 towing a cargo trailer on US 77 in Kenedy County. During the stop, the driver, Anthony Jhonson of Houston, consented to a search of the trailer. During that search, Troopers discovered a false wall and behind that wall were 16 illegal immigrants crammed inside a small compartment with no air ventilation. Jhonson was arrested and charged with 16 counts of smuggling of persons with the likelihood of serious bodily injury or death. All 16 illegal immigrants were referred to Border Patrol.

DPS Troopers recently recovered a dozen illegal immigrants in stash house in Starr County. The group of 12 were from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico. One of the illegal immigrants found inside, Eliuth Gomez-Cavazos from Mexico, was arrested and charged with operating the stash house. Additionally, Giovany Abiel Lugo Gomez, an illegal immigrant from Mexico who was waiting in a vehicle outside of the home, was arrested and charged with smuggling of persons. The 11 other illegal immigrants were referred to Border Patrol.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has captured another fugitive from Texas’ 10 Most Wanted Criminal Illegal Immigrants List in Houston – just days after he was added to the list. A Crime Stoppers reward will not be paid in this arrest. 

Criminal Illegal Immigrant on Most Wanted List Arrested in Houston

Jose Miguel Zelaya-Ponce, 20, a criminal illegal immigrant from Honduras, had been wanted out of Harris County since July 2024 for aggravated sexual assault of a child under 14. He was taken into custody on Friday, Aug. 23 by Special Agents from DPS’ Criminal Investigations Division (CID) assigned to the Texas Anti-Gang (TAG) Center in Houston, along with Texas Rangers and Texas Highway Patrol (THP) Troopers. 

Zelaya-Ponce’s arrest was a result of investigative efforts and a series of leads by Special Agents and Texas Rangers assigned to his case. In April 2021, Zelaya-Ponce was arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and charged with alien removal. He was subsequently given an order of recognizance and released. In June 2024, Zelaya-Ponce was issued a final order of removal. 

  • DPS Trooper Arrests Smuggler During Commercial Vehicle Safety Inspection 

    A DPS Trooper stopped a truck tractor for a commercial vehicle safety inspection on I-35 in La Salle County earlier this week. During the safety inspection, the Trooper discovered that the driver, from Fort Worth, was smuggling six illegal immigrants from Mexico in the sleeper area. The driver was arrested and charged with six counts of smuggling of persons. All six illegal immigrants were referred to border patrol.

After Border Patrol Agents spent several overnight hours attempting to locate an illegal immigrant in Kinney County, DPS K-9 Arya and her handler were dispatched to assist with tracking. Using human odor from fresh foot tracks, K-9 Arya tracked the illegal immigrant for more than two hours, spanning two and a half miles. K-9 Arya alerted her handler to a tree, where the illegal immigrant, from Honduras, was found underneath. The illegal immigrant was referred to Border Patrol.

60 Minutes

 

 

 

 

 

An MS-13 gang member is in custody after a high-speed pursuit in Kinney County. Bryan Reyes, a gang member from Houston, was a passenger in a car that led DPS Troopers on that pursuit. The driver was an illegal immigrant. Both men bailed out after crashing the car into a ranch fence. Both were arrested and charged with evading arrest and smuggling of persons. Troopers also referred two illegal immigrants to Border Patrol.

 

A human smuggler attempted to allow three illegal immigrants from Mexico to bail out of his vehicle during a high-speed pursuit in Webb County. It happened on FM-1472. The smuggler took off after allowing the passengers to run, then lost control and crashed into a curb. He was arrested by DPS Troopers and charged with evading arrest and smuggling of persons. Three illegal immigrants were referred to Border Patrol.

 

A smuggler in Val Verde County led Troopers on a high-speed vehicle pursuit on US-277, reaching speeds of 109 miles per hour. During the pursuit, the driver allowed two illegal immigrants to bail out, then lost control and crashed into a fence. The driver was arrested and charged with evading arrest and smuggling of persons. With the assistance of the Del Rio Police Department, the two illegal immigrants were apprehended and referred to Border Patrol.

 

US marks highest daily border encounters in history

 

"This is the most violent region on the Texas-Mexico border," DPS spokesperson Chris Olivarez said. "These armed gunmen that are coming across, ammunition, border patrol found an explosive."

Exclusive: First look at DPS operations on Fronton Island

 

NEWS4 Story Fronton Island

 

Reporter Jaeson Jones embeds with the Texas Department of Public Safety on Fronton Island for a closer look.

 

FOX News Cartel War

 

Ride Along BRUSH Unit

 

FOX Fentanyl Story

 

Only on ABC-7: Inside a migrant pursuit in West El Paso

 

FOX Story OLS Cartel Arrest

"There is no greater public safety and national security threat than the Mexican drug cartels, who have exploited security vulnerabilities due to an unsecured international border. This joint effort highlights the importance of collaborating with local, county, state and federal agencies for one common goal — keeping our state and country safe." - Texas DPS

 

 

June FOX OLS

 

FOX News Screenshot

 

DPS director interview

 

  • FOX News: "Tidal Wave" Post-Title 42 Era Begins as Migrants Pour In

"If we have to do this for another two years, we're going to do it, because Governor Abbott believes in keeping this state secure; he believes in keeping this country secure." — DPS West Texas Regional Director Sanchez

 

  • Operation Lone Star: Reinforcement Efforts in Brownsville, Texas

From DPS' South Texas Region: Take a look at efforts made possible through Operation Lone Star to secure the border near Brownsville, Texas, as the state prepared for Title 42 to end in May 2023.

 

From FOX News: "Texas DPS Regional Director Jose 'Joe' Sanchez joins 'Fox & Friends' to discuss the massive migrant group that rushed into an El Paso port of entry on Sunday."

FOX News Sanchez

 

 

Lt. Olivarez joined Fox News to discuss the threat to public safety that comes from having an open border and the importance of the work being done under Gov. Greg Abbott's Operation Lone Star to secure the border and protect Texas communities.

FOX NEWS Story

 

  • Operation Lone Star: Spotlight on Texas DPS Aircraft in Big Bend

Get a behind-the-scenes look at DPS Aircraft working as part of Governor Abbott's Operation Lone Star.

FoX interview RD

 

Texas authorities bust Houston fentanyl lab

 

November OLS Story

 

09.28.2022 News Story

 

FOX News

 

OLS - Fox News Lt.

 

OLS KGNS

 

"Carter reported the Texas DPS seized 918 lbs of fentanyl in 2021, which officials said was only a small portion of what has come over the porous border."

FOX News https://www.foxnews.com/media/sara-carter-investigates-exclusive-access-texas-dps-fentanyl-seizures?fbclid=IwAR0ohxvp3sddPIjlLOZh0Bhb9_VaIvxGmQ_q5KBl63Buf-kkmK9UeM-xMEA

 

Elite DPS Team Guards Against Illegal Immigrants Trespassing on Private Property as Part of Operation Lone Star

FOX Migrants battle river currents to reach Texas

 

FOX Fentanyl at the border - how to stem the flow

"Under Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s command, the Department of Public Safety has formed a boat blockade on the Rio Grande to keep undocumented migrants out of South Texas.

"DPS officials on Sunday posted a video taken by air showing at least 17 boats spaced out on the U.S. side of the river near the town of La Joya.

"A DPS Tweet called the “enhanced operations” necessary “to stop the flow of migrants entering TX illegally.” And it said the “heavy presence on the river” is part of Operation Lone Star, a state-funded Abbott-led initiative to guard the Texas-Mexico border."

Texas lines up boats to stem flow of undocumented immigrants over Rio Grande

 

Smugglers making millions off border crisis: Lt. Chris Olivarez

 

Exclusive: Texas agents bust human smuggling operation at border

 

"Texas law enforcement and soldiers sent to the border under a state initiative that began in March have encountered more than 165,000 people presumed to have illegally crossed the U.S.-Mexico border or are themselves smuggling people, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

"Lt. Chris Olivarez, spokesman for the Texas DPS’s South Region, said during a press conference Thursday that his agency's troopers, along with National Guard soldiers, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department have apprehended and referred 165,000 people to relevant law enforcement for arrest over the past nine months."

Human and Drug smuggling continues at the border

 

“Some of the landowners were voicing concerns that illegal immigrants were trespassing on their property, damaging their fences. They didn't feel safe around their homes because of these illegal immigrants who were coming across,” said Olivarez.

"Olivarez said troopers have arrested migrants who have criminal records, and criminal gang members including MS-13 and cartel members.   He said some of the migrants have become aggressive when approached by officers.

“They resist our law enforcement. There's been several incidents where they throw rocks at our law enforcement personnel because again, they're trying to avoid apprehension,” said Olivarez."

Crackdown on illegal immigration focuses on ranches in Kinney, Val Verde Counties

 

Lt. Chris Olivarez raises concern over 'criminal gang members' crossing the border

 

“The landowners there were getting frustrated. They had these illegal immigrants that were coming across in their property, destroying their properties. They didn't feel safe at their homes,” said Olivarez. “So, Texas had to step in, and that’s why we deployed DPS. We were able to get consent to be on those properties to make arrests for criminal trespass, as well as the rail yards.”

"Olivarez said the majority of the migrants who have moved through the Val Verde County processing facility were arrested for trespassing on private ranchlands and on the trains.

“These are individuals who are avoiding detection, avoiding law enforcement,” said Olivarez. “These are the single adults that are trying to get across and move further inland.”

DPS: Arresting migrants for criminal trespass is deterring more from making the journey to the US

 

KENS 5 OLS

 

"In March, Gov. Greg Abbott initiated Operation Lone Star to address the surge that seems to have only gotten worse as the months have gone on. Similar to what I have heard from Border Patrol agents, the different state troopers I spoke with said they have never seen such a stark uptick in illegal activity at the border as to what they are seeing now. ...

"U.S. Border Patrol is overwhelmed with the constant illegal entries that are taking place because it involves a lot of processing, a lot of hours. That can't be ignored, that is a crisis. There is a problem right now. I know conversations have been out there that the border is closed. The border is not closed when you have 2,000 illegal entries taking place daily," said Lt. Christopher Olivarez, a DPS spokesman."

FOX News

 

Chase

 

Pursuit screenshot

 

OLS

 

OLS

 

CBS News screenshots

 

BP Agents Need Support Screenshot

 

Weapons Seizure

 

Newsroom Screenshot

 

NBC NewsFOX News OLS

 

OLS Fox News

 

OLS Fox News

 

OLS Fox News

"A Clay County trooper rescued a 6-month-old girl and her mother from drowning after smugglers threw them out of a raft floating in the Rio Grande, Texas officials said."

OLS

 

"On March 16, the Texas Department of Public Safety’s South Texas Special Operations Group helped U.S. Border Patrol rescue a 6-month old girl from the Rio Grande River.

"Texas DPS Lt. Christopher Olivarez told KVEO that the mother and child had been waiting in Mexico since December to cross into the U.S.

"The mother paid smugglers $3,500 to cross the Rio Grande River into the U.S. The mom was assaulted by the smugglers in Mexico, which resulted in a broken leg, according to Olivarez."

OLS

 

OLS Interview

 

Reuters OLS
(Photo courtesy of Reuters)

 

OLS CNN

 

"Victor Escalon, regional director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, says he worried the more people are smuggled across the Rio Grande, the more opportunities for criminal organizations to flourish in the area.

“As a parent, as a human being, you want to make sure (migrant children) are cared for. They are kids. They don’t know any different,” he said. “But the more people you bring across, the individuals who are in charge of coordinating the criminal element, the smuggling of narcotics they are going to look for opportunities.”

AP Story: Border crossings strain resources in Rio Grande Valley

 

"While the press continues to get limited access to operations at the Donna tent facility, Texas State troopers allowed Channel 5 News to see first-hand what’s happening on the border during the migrant surge … In just two weeks since the start of Operation Lone Star, state police has been involved in 34 vehicle pursuits and has referred 8,000 migrants to Border Patrol. Although Texas DPS cannot enforce U.S. immigration laws, their presence aims to serve as a deterrent to drug and human traffickers."

KRGV: DPS ride-along: Seeing the latest migrant surge in the Valley

 

NBC Border Footage

 

"There was a gaggle of us, journalists, who couldn’t be along the banks of the river at several points of migrant crossings without the escort of either local, state or federal law enforcement. Texas Department of Public Safety troopers took us on a tour. On March 6, Gov. Greg Abbott and DPS launched Operation Lone Star. What we saw on this day was part of that effort."

KENS5: A glimpse at who is coming across the border, and who is guarding it, during a crisis

 

FOX News

"In a bird’s-eye view of the surge of migrants at the Southern border, new camera images show dozens of people, including families, crossing into the U.S. within minutes. NBC’s Gabe Gutierrez reports for TODAY from Laredo, Texas."

Today Show