In response to President Trump's renewed focus on border security, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has taken decisive action, deploying additional troops and helicopters to the Rio Grande Valley. This deployment, known as the Texas Tactical Border Force, will collaborate with U.S. Border Patrol to enhance security measures along the Texas-Mexico border.

The force comprises 400 soldiers, C-130s, and Chinook helicopters, supplementing the existing Texas National Guard presence under Operation Lone Star, initiated by Abbott in 2021 to address the escalating border crisis. Governor Abbott expressed his support for the White House's renewed commitment to border security, contrasting it with the perceived inaction of the previous administration. He welcomed the collaboration with President Trump and his administration, emphasizing the shared goal of securing the border and enhancing national safety.

Individuals seeking asylum await their CBP One appointments near the El Chaparral border crossing in Tijuana, Mexico.

These actions coincide with a series of measures implemented by the Trump administration to combat illegal immigration. President Trump's executive order on his first day back in office included deploying the military to the border, among other initiatives. Since Thursday evening, approximately 1,500 troops have been arriving in Texas and California, augmenting the 2,500 service members already stationed there due to the 2023 border crisis.

Governor Abbott during a press conference in Houston, Texas.

Acting Defense Secretary Robert Salesses confirmed a 60% increase in active-duty ground forces since President Trump's recent inauguration. A recent diplomatic exchange between the U.S. and Colombia highlighted the new administration's firm stance on deportations. Initially, Colombian President Gustavo Petro resisted accepting deportation flights. However, following President Trump's warnings of potential tariffs and other actions, Petro agreed to comply with Trump's terms, including the unconditional acceptance of all Colombian nationals deported from the United States, utilizing U.S. military aircraft if necessary.