In August 2024, Texas Governor Greg Abbott made a bold claim: the border crisis in Texas had been “solved.” During an interview with NewsNation’s Ali Bradley, Abbott attributed the recent decline in migrant encounters to his state’s intensive efforts, particularly through Operation Lone Star. But is this really the case? Let’s break down Abbott’s claims and the reality of the Texas-Mexico border situation.
Understanding Operation Lone Star: What Is It?
Operation Lone Star, launched by Abbott in 2021, is a major state initiative aimed at controlling illegal immigration. Here’s a snapshot of what the operation involves:
- Installation of Razor Wire: Barriers designed to deter illegal crossings.
- Floating Buoys: Used to block access across the Rio Grande.
- National Guard Deployment: To support border enforcement.
Recent Trends in Migrant Encounters
According to a Newsweek analysis, there has been a noticeable decline in migrant encounters along the Texas-Mexico border. Here are the key figures:
- May 2024: 78,068 encounters, the lowest since February 2021.
- December 2023: 158,221 encounters, a significant drop to 76,558 by January 2024.
- Overall: Encounters along the southern border decreased from 301,981 in December 2023 to 176,196 in January 2024.
What’s Behind the Numbers?
Despite Abbott’s claims, multiple factors contribute to the decrease in migrant encounters:
- Increased Mexican Enforcement: Mexico began turning back migrants before they even reached the US border.
- Biden Administration Actions: An executive order in June 2024 restricted asylum claims, impacting migrant flow.
The Political Dimension: Abbott’s Border Strategies
Abbott has used his border policies as a political tool:
- Busing Migrants: Since April 2022, Abbott has sent around 120,000 migrants to Democratic-run cities like New York and Chicago. This policy aims to draw national attention to what he calls a federal border crisis.
- Public Spending: Texas has spent approximately $150 million on this busing strategy, while New York City has sued for $700 million over the costs related to handling these migrants.
Expert Opinions on Abbott’s Claims
Professor Roberto Suro, a migration expert, casts doubt on Abbott’s assertion:
- Suro’s View: “Abbott has not ‘solved’ anything. Migrant encounters are down across the entire Southwest Border due to Mexican and federal actions, not just Texas measures.”
Impact of Biden’s Policies
The Biden administration’s measures have played a crucial role:
- Executive Order: In June 2024, Biden’s order limited asylum claims for high-volume border crossings, contributing to the decline in encounters.
Popular Support for Abbott’s Policies
Locally, Abbott’s border control strategies are well-received:
- Joshua Black, a political scientist at the University of Texas at Austin, notes the public’s ongoing support for Abbott’s aggressive stance. “Given the billions spent, Abbott needs to claim some level of success. The real test will come with changing migration patterns.”
Conclusion: Is the Texas Border Crisis Solved?
While Greg Abbott’s Operation Lone Star has contributed to a drop in migrant encounters, attributing the entire success to Texas alone overlooks other critical factors. Changes in Mexican immigration enforcement and federal policies have also played substantial roles. The border crisis remains a complex issue with evolving dynamics.
