Donald Trump and Texas Governor Greg Abbott are moving forward on a joint plan to deport more than 11 million undocumented migrants in the United States. Tom Homan, designated as “border czar” by the next administration, visited Eagle Pass. He reinforced the collaboration with Abbott during a tour of a military base located on the Rio Grande.
In this meeting, Homan highlighted the Texas-driven Operation Lone Star program as an example to be followed at the national level to curb irregular migration. Since its implementation, this initiative has allocated more than $11 billion in border militarization. That includes floating barriers, miles of barbed wire and mobilization of National Guard troops.
Abbott (Texas) and Trump
Abbott assured that Texas is working in coordination with Trump‘s transition team to get the mass deportation strategy started immediately on Jan. 20.
“The change has already begun, through actions, plans and preparations. Everything necessary so that there is no gap and that when January 20 arrives there will be a change in the way the US protects its border and its sovereignty”. – Gov. Abbott
Texas, home to some 1.6 million undocumented migrants, according to data from the Pew Research Center, will be a key focus of this plan. However, the state’s approach has sparked criticism from human rights organizations. Which denounce actions such as the use of tear gas. Also, rubber bullets by the National Guard against migrants attempting to cross.
Tension with Other States
Homan used his visit to send a message to states that have expressed their refusal to cooperate with mass deportations. In a direct warning to leaders, he said, “Harboring and hiding illegal migrants is a felony. Don’t test us”.
Abbott‘s stance contrasts with that of the outgoing administration of Joe Biden, with whom he had clashes over immigration management. And stressed that the enforcement of immigration laws is a federal competence. Despite this, Abbott has gone ahead with his own policies, which have included the construction of barriers and the installation of military bases at strategic points along the border.
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