Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced the construction of a military base in Eagle Pass that could house up to 1,800 soldiers. This measure aims to strengthen border security and address illegal immigration crossings from Mexico into the United States.
During a press conference this Friday, the governor revealed his plans to strengthen border security capabilities by creating a new camp belonging to the Texas Military Department.
“This will increase the ability for a larger number of Texas Military Department soldiers in Eagle Pass to operate more effectively and efficiently,” said the governor, highlighting that the base will be able to house up to 1,800 soldiers, with the possibility of expanding.
The new facilities will have three command centers, weapons storage areas and even a helicopter pad. As Thomas Suelzer, head of the Texas Military Department explained, the complex will be developed in phases, adding 300 beds each month. The first stage is expected to be completed by April.
Texas is expanding our border security efforts by building a new Forward Operating Base in Eagle Pass.
This base camp will house Texas National Guard soldiers deployed to respond to Biden’s border crisis.
Texas will continue to use every tool and strategy to hold the line. pic.twitter.com/XNT0HYY7D6
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) February 16, 2024
Texas announces the installation of more barriers
During the press conference, Suelzer reported that Texas will not only focus on the construction of the camp but will also place additional barriers north and south of Eagle Pass and expand the radar capabilities of the drone program. “Under Governor Abbott’s leadership, we are deploying every available resource and strategy to protect and defend Texas,” Suelzer said.
Texas is expanding our border security efforts to boost support for the brave men and women of the Texas National Guard.
Under #OperationLoneStar, Texas will continue to utilize every tool and strategy to secure the border. https://t.co/kzg43OKCqH
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) February 17, 2024
Abbott’s new efforts come amid tensions with the Joe Biden administration over immigration policies. The governor has criticized federal measures and sought to counter them through state initiatives, such as the launch of Operation Lone Star, the deployment of thousands of Texas National Guard soldiers, and the installation of barriers, among other actions.
Despite the legal challenges it has faced due to these actions, Texas has reaffirmed its commitment to continue doing everything possible to prevent the worsening of the border crisis.
