Governing Principle
There can be no homeland security without border security, and there can be no higher priority than protecting our citizens.
While our focus begins with preventing the worst of the violence currently raging in northern Mexico from spilling over into the United States, the violence is only part of the destruction that can result from a porous border. The free flow of drugs, weapons and people resulting from inadequate security can undercut economic development, education and trade. As such, they can hurt Texas families in every way imaginable, from loss of jobs to the loss of family members to addiction, imprisonment or death.
Border security is a federal responsibility but a Texas problem, and Texas has invested hundreds of millions of state dollars in efforts to support and supplement security forces already in place. Still, this is a problem that will only be solved with more federal accountability and involvement.
Highlights
» Starting in 2005 with Operation Linebacker, the state has sought to provide funding, manpower and equipment to local law enforcement agencies operating along the Texas-Mexico border.
» The state's latest operation, Border Star, builds on the successes of previous operations with unprecedented local, state and federal law enforcement coordination. With the assistance of the 80th and 81st Legislatures, the State of Texas has been able to appropriate more than $110 million each session to fund and amplify these efforts.
» In response to a rising tide of gang violence in Texas communities, the Governor allocated $4 million in criminal justice grants to cities across the state to increase patrols of gang hotspots. In 2009, Gov. Perry worked to secure more than $10 million in state funding for enhanced anti-gang efforts during the 2010-11 biennium.
» In September 2009, Gov. Perry announced the formation of highly-skilled Ranger Recon Teams — which include Texas Rangers, Texas National Guard Counterdrug forces, Highway Patrol and DPS Aviation assets — in order to address threats building in the unincorporated areas along the Texas-Mexico border.
» Since early 2009, Gov. Perry has repeatedly called on Washington to authorize the deployment of 1,000 Title 32 National Guard soldiers to the Texas-Mexico border to support border security operations currently underway. (see letter to President Obama, letter to Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and request to Defense Secretary Gates)
» Gov. Perry has also recommended an expeditious deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles to provide real-time surveillance and intelligence to law enforcement on the ground.
Related Content
August 9, 2010 - Gov. Perry on his letter to President Obama and the present state of border security.
August 9, 2010 - Governor Rick Perry's Letter to President Obama View Letter »
February 26, 2009 - Governor Rick Perry's Letter to Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano concerning the transport of illegal aliens to Texas View Letter »
September 11, 2009 - Colonel Steve McCraw, Director, TX Dept. of Public Safety on the Ranger Recon operation.
June 3, 2009 - Harold L. Hurtt - Houston Police Chief
News & Announcements
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Monday, December 12, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Statement by Gov. Rick Perry on Obama Administration’s Decision to Slash Number of National Guard troops at U.S.-Mexico Border
President Obama's decision to slash the number of National Guard troops patrolling and securing our southern border is proof that this administration has no intention to truly secure the border or listen to the American citizens, communities and law enforcement who care about border security and public safety. -Gov. Perry -
Tuesday, February 08, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Gov. Perry: We Must Reform, Streamline State Government
Gov. Rick Perry delivered his State of the State address today, proposing to consolidate or suspend non-critical state agencies in order to make state government more streamlined and efficient. The governor also outlined his priorities for the 82nd Legislative Session, including balancing the budget without raising taxes, preserving essential services, and strengthening Texas' position as a national economic leader through sound policies.» Read the Speech: Gov. Perry: We Must Reform, Streamline State Government -
Monday, December 06, 2010 • Austin, Texas • Editorial
Storm Clouds Gathering Along U.S.-Mexico Border
Embroiled in an ongoing clash between rival drug cartels, the region of Mexico directly across the border from Texas has become one of the most dangerous places in the world, with more than 28,000 people killed since 2006, a death toll more reflective of a war zone than a nation ostensibly at peace. -
Thursday, December 02, 2010 • Garland, Texas • Speech
Gov. Perry Presents Honorary Texas Ranger Designations to Chuck Norris and Aaron Norris
'One riot, one Ranger' is as true today as it ever was. Although today's Rangers spend their share of time behind a desk they are skilled in the time-honored art of law enforcement from investing criminal endeavors, to securing our international border. It is reassuring to know that our Rangers are on the job especially in light of ongoing reports of deteriorating conditions with kidnappings, assassinations and terroristic acts just miles from Texas communities. -
Wednesday, October 06, 2010 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Gov. Perry Speaks at the International Conference on Human Trafficking
Gov. Rick Perry today joined Texas State Rep. Senfronia Thompson at the International Conference on Human Trafficking to discuss Texas’ efforts to combat human trafficking and provide support to victims of human trafficking.» Read the Speech: Gov. Perry Speaks at the International Conference on Human Trafficking -
Monday, August 23, 2010 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Statement by Gov. Rick Perry on Bullets from Juarez Striking El Paso Building
Gov. Rick Perry today issued the following statement regarding bullets from a gun battle in Juarez that struck a building on the campus of the University of Texas-El Paso over the weekend: -
Thursday, August 19, 2010 • Houston, Texas • Press Release
Gov. Perry Calls for Increased Penalties for Human Traffickers
Gov. Rick Perry today called on the Texas Legislature to create a tougher law to punish human traffickers, with penalties ranging from 25 years to life. He also announced grants through the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division (CJD) of up to $500,000 statewide to Texas cities and counties to provide services to victims of human trafficking, as well as a grant of more than $291,000 to the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) Human Trafficking Prevention Task Force. -
Tuesday, August 10, 2010 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Gov. Perry: Border Sheriffs are Our First Line of Defense
Gov. Rick Perry today met with border sheriffs to discuss border security issues facing their communities.
» Read the Speech: Gov. Perry: Border Sheriffs are Our First Line of Defense -
Monday, August 09, 2010 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Gov. Perry: Warning Signs Along Border Must be Heeded by Washington
Gov. Rick Perry today described the rapid escalation of drug cartel-related killings in northern Mexico, and said that absent federal action it was only a matter of time before communities on the Texas side of the border would be further swept up in the violence.» Read the Speech: Gov. Perry: Warning Signs Along Border Must be Heeded by Washington -
Thursday, July 15, 2010 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Gov. Perry Awards $3.1 Million in Funds for Gang Prevention
Gov. Rick Perry has awarded more than $3.1 million in grants to nine programs to expand juvenile gang prevention efforts along the Texas-Mexico border. These grants are administered by the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division.