Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to strengthen public safety and homeland security measures across the state. The move comes as cartel violence in Mexico increases, raising concerns about risks to American civilians.
“Mexican drug cartels pose a significant threat to public safety and national security,” said Governor Abbott. “By increasing proactive efforts to defend against cartel violence, Texas will continue to utilize every tool and strategy to protect our state and our nation. We will not cower to criminals who impose terror on our fellow Texans and Americans.”
Under Abbott’s direction, DPS will deploy more resources from various divisions, including the Texas Highway Patrol, Texas Rangers, Criminal Investigations Division, and Special Operations Group. These teams will focus on detecting, intercepting, and apprehending criminals along the border region in an effort to prevent cross-border threats. DPS will also expand operations of its Tactical Marine Unit and Aircraft Operations Division near the border for enhanced detection and apprehension efforts. Additional staff from the Homeland Security Division and Texas Fusion Center will be activated to monitor social media channels and reports of suspicious activity around the clock.
Texans seeking urgent help can contact the U.S. Department of State or the Texas Fusion Center through dedicated phone lines.
Governor Abbott also advised Texans currently in Mexico—and those with family or friends traveling there—to heed warnings from the U.S. Department of State due to ongoing security operations, road blockages, and criminal activity in Mexico.
The Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott has taken a broad approach toward public safety as part of its focus areas that include job creation, economic opportunities, education improvement, individual liberties protection, parental involvement in schools, and southern border security (https://gov.texas.gov/). Since his election in 2014 (https://gov.texas.gov/), Abbott has led statewide services delivered by his office (https://gov.texas.gov/) from primary offices based in Austin at the State Insurance Building (https://gov.texas.gov/). Under his leadership, Texas has seen growth in jobs and record employment levels (https://gov.texas.gov/), while Abbott himself was recognized among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2024 (https://gov.texas.gov/).
