Operation Lone Star, initiated by Governor Greg Abbott in 2021, has rigorously enhanced the security of Texas’ border.
The Washington Examiner reported that more than 530,600 illegal crossing arrests and significant drug seizures underline the impact of the initiative since its start.
The operation was launched as an effort to strengthen border control and has shown substantial results in reducing illegal activities.
Since Operation Lone Star's inception, officers have not only apprehended over half a million illegal border crossers but also made more than 50,000 criminal arrests. Of these arrests, over 43,000 charges were felonies, showcasing the operation's intensive focus on serious crimes.
The operation’s significant contribution to drug control includes the seizure of more than 622 million lethal doses of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid exponentially more potent than heroin.
This immense catch represents a vital step in mitigating the opioid crisis affecting many parts of the United States.
In a technological leap forward, Operation Lone Star utilizes ground surveillance radar and thermal imaging systems to detect illegal activities at the border. These technologies significantly improve the detection of movements under cover of darkness and harsh terrain conditions.
Demonstrating the effectiveness of these technologies, in a notable single-day operation, the system enabled the detection and prevention of 62 foreign nationals attempting to cross the border illegally.
The operation's technological arsenal also includes the Modular Mobile Survey System (M2S2), drones, boats, and Humvees, enhancing the mobility and reach of border patrols.
Operation Lone Star also emphasizes preparation for potential mass migration events through "Migration Operational Readiness Exercises" (MORE). These drills help coordinate various law enforcement bodies to ensure a unified and effective response to complex border security scenarios.
1Lt. Jacob Eggimann, leading part of the operation, explained the importance of these exercises. "We are conducting a MORE,” using the operation’s full technological and personnel resources to maintain stringent border control," Eggimann said.
Many of his team members, trained as military police, are essential in implementing these robust defense measures at the border. "This is our house. We control our house. We are going to maintain our border and work together with our law enforcement partners to control who is coming in and to protect our communities," he further emphasized.
In one significant incident, officers intercepted four "Special Interest Aliens" from Turkey in Hidalgo County, believed to have potential terrorist ties. In the same operation, they arrested a known human smuggler, a coyote, from Mexico.
This focus on high-risk individuals extends beyond the immediate border, as evidenced by arrests that have included nationals from Afghanistan, Congo, Egypt, and Iran, all marked as SIAs.
Such efforts underscore the dual objectives of OLS: enforcing the law and preemptively mitigating threats before they can impact the broader safety of the community.
Anecdotal evidence, like the overwhelming support from Webb County residents for rigid border policies during the presidential election, shows community backing for stringent border control measures.
In another supportive incident, OLS DPS troopers were involved in a high-speed chase following the theft of a GMC Sierra on IH-35. The operation resulted in multiple charges against the involved individuals, highlighting the broader law enforcement role that OLS plays beyond merely immigration issues.
The seamless integration of Operation Lone Star into existing law enforcement efforts has been pivotal in its ability to garner broader community trust and implement effective border security measures.