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.

Action Items

»  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.

News & Announcements

• Monday, May 11, 2009 • Speech
  Gov. Perry Addresses Police Officer Memorial Service
  "I stand here today, on behalf of 24 million Texans, to thank you for the risks you take every day to protect us. Danger is part of the job: you know it before you volunteer to serve. However, the reality of your responsibility is driven home when one of your own is tragically taken away from us."
• Tuesday, March 24, 2009 • Press Release
  Statement by Gov. Rick Perry on the Obama Administration's Plan to Combat Mexican Drug Cartels
  While we appreciate the additional investigative resources, what we really need are more border patrol agents and officers at the bridges to conduct increased northbound and southbound inspections, as well as additional funding for local law enforcement along the border to deny Mexican drug cartels access to the United States.
• Thursday, March 05, 2009 • Press Release
  Gov. Perry: It is Time to Address the Gang Threat Head On
  
  
  Gov. Rick Perry and Sen. John Carona emphasize the need to combat transnational gangs.
  AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry was today joined by Sen. John Carona and law enforcement officials to emphasize the need to combat the escalating threat of transnational gangs in our communities. Sen. Carona today filed Senate Bill (SB) 11, legislation that if passed will significantly disrupt the operations of transnational gangs in Texas.
  » Read the Speech: Gov. Perry Expresses Support for Omnibus Gang Bill
  + Watch Interview of Harold L. Hurtt, Houston Police Chief
• Tuesday, February 24, 2009 • Press Release
  Gov. Perry Urges Legislature to Continue Funding Border Security
  
  
  Gov. Perry met with Gen. Barry McCaffrey (Former Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy), local leaders and law enforcement to discuss border security issues and the escalating, drug-related violence in Mexico. Also speaking in this video are El Paso Mayor John Cook and Gen. Barry McCaffrey.
  EL PASO – Gov. Rick Perry today reiterated his request that the Texas Legislature appropriate $135 million for continued border security funding to combat transnational gangs. The governor met with Gen. Barry McCaffrey, former director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, local leaders and law enforcement to discuss border security issues and the escalating, drug-related violence in Mexico.
  » Read the Speech: Gov. Perry Comments on Border Security During El Paso Visit
  + Watch Interview of General Barry McCaffrey, Former Director, Office of National Drug Control Policy
• Monday, February 09, 2009 • Speech
  Gov. Perry Addresses Delegations from Grayson, Denton and Collin Counties
  As you spend time here in Austin, talking to legislators and presenting a clear picture of the “situation on the ground” in your area, understand that we’re all in the same boat, and we all have to look at ways to tighten our belts and run our organizations in a leaner fashion, just like Texas families are having to do more every day.
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