Waco, TX – On November 26, Texas Governor Greg Abbott and incoming U.S. Border Czar Tom Homan visited service members stationed along the U.S.-Mexico border as part of the state’s Operation Lone Star initiative. The event, which took place in the border cities of Eagle Pass and Edinburg, allowed the officials to personally thank Texas National Guard soldiers, Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers, and other personnel for their ongoing efforts to secure the southern border.
During the visit, Abbott served meals to the service members, offering his gratitude for their role in safeguarding Texas. “You are essential to keep Texas sovereign, secure, and safe,” Abbott said. “Someone has to stand up for the rule of law, and the people who do that are the men and women of the Texas National Guard and the Texas Department of Public Safety. This mission is critical to our future. I have never been more proud of what you all have stepped up to do. During this time of Thanksgiving, we as Texans and Americans at the top of our list have thanks for you and the job you are doing today.”
Following the meal in Eagle Pass, Abbott and Homan received an intelligence briefing from General Thomas Suelzer, Texas DPS Director Steve McCraw, and Texas Border Czar Mike Banks. The briefing highlighted the successes and ongoing efforts of Operation Lone Star, which aims to curb illegal immigration and drug trafficking along the Texas-Mexico border.
“You cannot have strong national security if you do not have border security,” Homan remarked. “There is unprecedented success in Texas. This is the model we can take across the country. Everyone here needs to understand that you are national heroes and are saving the nation. What you have done has not only protected Texas and the citizens of Texas, you are protecting this nation.”
After the briefing, Abbott and Homan took an aerial tour of Operation Lone Star assets in the Eagle Pass area. The tour showcased a variety of security measures, including razor wire barriers and storage containers designed to deter illegal immigration.
Operation Lone Star, launched by Abbott in 2021, is a state-led initiative focused on strengthening border security and addressing the surge in illegal crossings. The program has garnered praise for its emphasis on security but has also faced criticism regarding its cost and scope.
As the Thanksgiving event underscored, both state and federal officials continue to emphasize the importance of border security, portraying the personnel involved as key defenders of national safety.
