Abbott asks Texas DPS to deploy tactical strike teams to ‘support Homeland Security operations’

From KXAN

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AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday morning asked the Texas Department of Public Safety, or DPS, to deploy tactical strike teams to “support the Trump Administration’s homeland security operations to locate and arrest criminal illegal immigrants in the state.”

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Abbott said in a press release issued Tuesday that Texas is expanding operations to assist President Trump’s hard and fast efforts to crack down on illegal immigration.

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“Today, I directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to deploy tactical strike teams to work alongside our federal partners to enforce immigration laws throughout the state,” Abbott said in the release. “These teams will coordinate with Homeland Security agencies to track down the thousands of illegal immigrants with active warrants across Texas and deport them from our country.”

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It comes on the same day that DPS Director, Col. Freeman Martin, testified in front of the Senate Finance Committee about his agency’s budget. The agency is requesting more than $3 billion from the state. The biggest ask is for an additional 500 commissioned Troopers to help with staffing issues.

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Col. Martin testified that his troopers are facing various threats across the state, including assisting in Operation Lone Star, the state’s effort to secure the southern border. Martin said the increased responsibilities on his troopers and continued deployments across the state are leaving some gaps in patrols.

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He says the additional troopers will help his agency address a lot of issues. The Texas State Troopers Association is also calling on the legislature to pass the budget request and add the additional commissioned troopers. In a statement, the association’s director, Rohnnie Shaw, said, “TSTA is urging the Legislature to prioritize DPS so our officers can continue to protect Texas communities from existing and emerging public safety threats, including at the border, where cartel violence and terrorism are escalating by the day.” ...