Texas officials are preparing to support the incoming Trump administration’s immigration policies, particularly in relation to mass deportations. During two events in the Rio Grande Valley on Tuesday, state leaders expressed their willingness to collaborate with the federal government.
Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham announced that the state is ready to provide more land for deportation facilities. Her office is currently identifying suitable properties, including a 1,402-acre ranch in Starr County, which Buckingham offered to Trump last week. This land is also part of ongoing efforts to construct a border wall.
Buckingham emphasized, “We have 13 million acres around the state, and if there’s something that meets the federal government’s needs, we want them to be able to utilize that.” The initiative is named “Jocelyn’s Initiative” after Jocelyn Nungaray, a 12-year-old girl from Houston who was allegedly killed by two Venezuelan men living illegally in the U.S. Buckingham stated that the goal is to prevent similar tragedies from happening again.
During a visit to service members involved in Operation Lone Star, Texas Governor Greg Abbott highlighted the cooperation between state and federal authorities. He assured National Guard members and Texas Department of Public Safety officers that “help is on the way,” referring to Tom Homan, appointed by Trump to lead immigration enforcement efforts. Homan promised support for Texas servicemen and women and indicated plans for an interior enforcement operation focused on mass deportations.
Starr County, with a population of around 65,934, has vast undeveloped land and unique geographical features, including hills. The recently acquired property by the Texas General Land Office was previously obstructed from developing a border wall by its former owner. Buckingham’s letter to Trump stated that Texas is “fully prepared” to enter an agreement for building facilities aimed at processing and detaining violent offenders.
While existing immigration detention centers in the Valley primarily process incoming migrants, the proposed facility in Starr County would uniquely focus on deportations. The area has faced challenges such as flooding, which could impact construction plans.
As Texas moves forward with these proposals, it reflects a broader divide between states supporting Trump’s immigration agenda and those resisting it. Democratic governors in states like California and Arizona have publicly opposed mass deportation efforts. Meanwhile, Texas leaders remain committed to aggressive border security measures as they prepare for Trump’s return to office.
Related topics:
- Japan Encouraged to Enhance Cultural and Business Ties Following New Visa-Free Agreement
- U.S. Universities Sound Alarm for Foreign Students Amid Trump’s Immigration Crackdown
- Trump’s Bold Threat: Massive Tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China to Combat Immigration and Drug Trafficking
