By State Rep. Brooks Landgraf
As your state representative, I am unwavering in my commitment to uphold the values and freedoms cherished by the people of Texas, and I take seriously my duty to protect the interests of West Texans and vigorously defend the liberty we hold dear.
Since assuming office, President Biden’s administration has embraced a dangerous policy of open borders, leading to the crisis unfolding along our southern border. The Biden Administration has repeatedly neglected its responsibility to secure our borders, leaving Texas vulnerable and exposed.
But let me make one thing clear: Texas is not a place for weak borders or illegal crossings, and we will not sit idly by, waiting for the federal government to act. Our great state is a place of law and order and has taken decisive action to safeguard our borders.
In 2021, I proudly fought alongside my colleagues at the Texas Capitol to allocate nearly $3 billion to our state’s border security initiative known as “Operation Lone Star.” This comprehensive effort, spearheaded by Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), was launched in March 2021 to combat the surging smuggling of people and drugs into Texas resulting from the Biden Administration’s inaction.
Recognizing the urgent need for effective leadership, earlier this year Governor Abbott appointed Mike Banks, a seasoned former Border Patrol agent with extensive experience in federal law enforcement and border security operations, as Texas’ first-ever Border Czar. Border Czar Banks collaborates daily with the Texas Military Department, DPS, and other state agencies, as well as local officials and Texas landowners, to ensure the full implementation of Operation Lone Star’s mission and guarantee the execution of robust border security strategies within our state’s borders in the absence of meaningful federal action.
Now, in light of the recent expiration of Title 42 my fight to secure the border remains unabated. During the 2023 legislative session I’ve relentlessly advocated for Texas to continue utilizing every constitutional measure available to fortify our borders.
The end of Title 42 restrictions will undoubtedly result in an influx of illegal crossings and place a strain on border communities and resources. Without decisive action by the state, border patrol agents and law enforcement agencies, may face overwhelming challenges in managing increased illegal immigration.
Accordingly, the Texas House has passed HB 7 taking a significant step towards addressing funding shortages in Texas order region communities grappling with the challenges arising from an influx of crossings.
This crucial bill allocates resources to facilities, equipment, and operations in the judicial system, law enforcement, public safety, communications, public health, and more. Furthermore, it establishes a mechanism to compensate property owners for damages incurred due to crossings between ports of entry and tackles the hurdles faced by the homeland security workforce pipeline, commercial trade, and investment attraction.
Most notably, this bill was amended to create and establish the Texas Border Protection Unit within the Department of Public Safety and under the jurisdiction of the Public Safety Commission. The Texas Border Protection Unit is a mission-oriented, locally-based response to deter unlawful border crossings.
Texas is resolute in defending our borders and those who seek to infringe upon our freedom will face our resistance.
As always, I am profoundly honored to serve as your voice in the Texas House, tirelessly representing the hardworking people of the Permian Basin.
God bless Texas!
