Texas: Abbott deploys hundreds of soldiers and fighter jets to the border

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott deployed more than 400 soldiers and several fighter jets and helicopters from the Texas Border Tactical Force to the border - in the Rio Grande Valley area - to bolster the operation against illegal immigration and collaborate with Border Patrol agents.

"Texas has a partner in the White House we can work with to secure the Texas-Mexico border. To support that mission, today, I deployed the Texas Tactical Border Force, comprised of hundreds of troops, to work side-by-side with US Border Patrol agents to stop illegal immigrants from entering our country and to enforce immigration laws," Abbott reported in a statement.

Specifically, in addition to the 400-plus troops, Abbott sent C-130 fighter jets - capable of landing and taking off in rough terrain - and Chinook helicopters.

Abbott took the opportunity to thank Donald Trump for focusing his efforts on protecting the border from illegal immigration that is wreaking serious havoc on Texas.

"I thank President Donald Trump for his decisive leadership on the southern border and look forward to working with him and his Administration to secure the border and make America safe again," he said.