Texas identifies new border islands and asks Trump administration to secure and defend them

Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham has requested the Trump administration to direct Border Patrol to collaborate with the Texas Military Department (TMD) in securing and defending a cartel-infested border island recently identified within Texas and U.S. jurisdiction.

At the Texas Military Department's request, the General Land Office (GLO) Survey Department recently released findings confirming the sovereignty of two islands in the Rio Grande. According to the commissioner, this determination will enable law enforcement to carry out security operations and restore law and order in an area plagued by cartel violence.

Law enforcement officers risk their lives at the border

"As Texas Land Commissioner and the steward of over 13 million acres, I unapologetically use every tool at my disposal to gain complete operational control of our southern border, by identifying Fronton Island for TMD and DPS to conduct Operation Flat Top to facilitating the construction of 1.5 miles of border wall on the GLO's property in Starr County," Commissioner Buckingham stated.

"Every day, Texas Military Department soldiers and law enforcement risk their lives at the border to protect Texas citizens. Clearing vegetation and criminal operations on these cartel-ridden border islands will help safeguard the men and women who patrol our border, allowing them to continue defending Texas families and communities. I stand ready and unwavering in my commitment to carry out this next critical step in the GLO's mission to help secure Texas’ southern border," he added.

"Clearing these islands will significantly enhance border security and improve the safety of TMD soldiers, Department of Public Safety (DPS) Troopers, and U.S. Border Patrol agents operating in the area," the commissioner's office said.