Texas Governor Greg Abbott has instructed the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to strengthen public safety and homeland security measures throughout the state. This directive comes as cartel violence in Mexico increases, raising concerns about threats to American citizens.
“Mexican drug cartels pose a significant threat to public safety and national security,” said Governor Abbott. “By increasing proactive efforts to defend against cartel violence, Texas will continue to utilize every tool and strategy to protect our state and our nation. We will not cower to criminals who impose terror on our fellow Texans and Americans.”
The Governor’s order requires DPS to deploy more resources from several divisions—including the Texas Highway Patrol, Texas Rangers, Criminal Investigations Division, and Special Operations Group—to border areas. These units are tasked with detecting, intercepting, and apprehending criminals while preventing spillover from transnational threats. Additionally, DPS will expand operations by its Tactical Marine Unit and Aircraft Operations Division along the border for enhanced detection and apprehension efforts.
Governor Abbott also directed the activation of additional personnel from the Homeland Security Division and Texas Fusion Center. These teams are assigned to monitor social media platforms and reports of suspicious activity around the clock.
Texans seeking urgent help can contact the U.S. Department of State or the Texas Fusion Center through provided phone numbers.
On a related note, Governor Abbott recently advised Texans currently in Mexico—or those with family or friends traveling there—to closely follow warnings issued by the U.S. Department of State due to ongoing security operations, road blockages, and criminal activity across Mexico.
Governor Abbott has led Texas since his election in 2014, overseeing statewide authority from primary offices based in Austin at the State Insurance Building according to information available on the official website. His administration has prioritized job creation, economic opportunities, education improvement, individual liberties protection, parental empowerment in schools, and southern border security (source). Under his leadership, Texas has experienced strong job growth and record employment levels (source), while he was recognized among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2024 (source).
