Abbott warns of 'uptick' in Texas border crossings as Operation Lone Star continues

AUSTIN, Texas - Texas Gov. [Fox 7 Austin]

Gov. Greg Abbott said Friday that his border security initiative will remain active despite receiving a substantial federal payment for the program's operations. During a ceremony at the Governor's Mansion, Abbott displayed documentation of a $7.5 billion reimbursement from the Department of Homeland Security, marking compensation for expenses Texas incurred through Operation Lone Star.

When asked whether the federal payment signified an end to the operation, Abbott indicated the program would persist. He cited what he characterized as a modest increase in border crossing attempts and other emerging concerns that required continued monitoring by state officials.

"There has been a slight uptick in those coming across the border," Abbott said. "There's some other challenges that we're monitoring in the early stages of right now."

Abbott also referenced intelligence regarding a migrant group traveling through southern Mexico, which authorities estimated numbered several hundred individuals. State officials said they were tracking the group's potential movements toward Texas.

The governor disclosed plans to work with state legislators on allocating the federal reimbursement while pursuing additional funding through a separate avenue. Texas has submitted an application to the Department of Justice for a portion of a $3 billion fund and is negotiating for roughly three-quarters of that amount, similar to the percentage received from the Homeland Security payment.

Hector Garza, vice president of the National Border Patrol Council, noted a recent incident near Laredo involving 68 individuals attempting to cross illegally, saying border agents successfully turned them back. He added that Mexican authorities apprehended the same number of migrants waiting on the Mexican side of the border.

The future of Operation Lone Star could face scrutiny in the upcoming midterm elections. State Rep. Gina Hinojosa, Abbott's Democratic challenger, has previously voiced opposition to the program's policies and approach.