Gov. Greg Abbott (R) revealed during a press conference on Friday that Texas intends to establish a military base in the border city of Eagle Pass. This move aims to address the influx of illegal migrants permitted into the country by the Biden administration. The Texas Military Department will oversee the construction of a Forward Operating Base spanning 80 acres along the Rio Grande. This base will serve as accommodation for up to 1,800 Texas National Guard soldiers, with the capacity to house an additional 500 personnel. In addition to housing facilities, the base will also include recreational, chaplaincy, medical, and psychological health amenities.
“Texas is expanding our border security capabilities by building a new Texas Military Department base camp to increase and improve border security operations in this area,” Abbott said at the press conference. “This will increase the ability for a larger number of Texas Military Department soldiers in Eagle Pass to operate more effectively and efficiently.”
Texas is expanding our border security efforts by building a new Forward Operating Base in Eagle Pass.
This base camp will house Texas National Guard soldiers deployed to respond to Biden’s border crisis.
Texas will continue to use every tool and strategy to hold the line. pic.twitter.com/XNT0HYY7D6
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) February 16, 2024
“In the coming weeks, we will also be expanding operations north and south of Eagle Pass, putting up additional barriers to fortify our border. We are also adding three more fan boats and expanding our drone program radar truck capabilities,” said Adjutant General of Texas Major General Suelzer. “Under Governor Abbott’s leadership, we are deploying every available resource and strategy to protect and defend Texas.”
Texas Border Czar Mike Banks announced “The key thing I want you to take away from this is that we are providing a better quality of life for our Texas National Guard soldiers.”
“To see those numbers decrease in Texas, it’s a testament to what these soldiers and DPS are doing to secure the border,” he continued. “I applaud Governor Abbott for your leadership to stand up and do what the federal government continues to fail to do.”