Texas Governor Greg Abbott renewed the state’s disaster proclamation regarding border security on April 17. The renewal extends the state of disaster for dozens of Texas counties and all affected state agencies, continuing measures first declared in May 2021.
The ongoing renewal underscores the state’s response to what Abbott described as an “ongoing and imminent threat of disaster” due to a surge of individuals unlawfully crossing the Texas-Mexico border. The action keeps all previous orders, directions, suspensions, and authorizations related to this situation in effect.
Abbott said in his official proclamation that “the certified conditions continue to exist and pose an ongoing and imminent threat of disaster as set forth in the prior proclamations.” He also confirmed that copies of this renewed proclamation would be filed with applicable authorities. Adam Bitter attested to the document on behalf of the Secretary of State.
Greg Abbott serves as the 48th governor leading the Texas Governor’s office, according to the official website. The office provides services and leadership across Texas, advancing economic opportunity, education, public safety, and support for programs assisting women and people with disabilities according to its website.
The Office of the Texas Governor functions as part of the executive branch. It works with businesses and local governments to foster growth while making appointments to boards and helping constituents according to its official site. The Governor’s Mansion has served as both a historic landmark since 1856—making it one of America’s oldest continuously occupied governor’s residences—and as a symbol for cultural initiatives promoted by commissions under Abbott’s administration according to its official website.
As these measures remain active across numerous counties listed in Abbott’s latest order, observers will watch how continued emergency powers affect local communities along Texas’s southern border.
