Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas said on Friday that the state would begin building a forward operating base in the border city of Eagle Pass for up to 2,300 soldiers, creating the most significant military infrastructure yet to support the state’s efforts to limit the number of people crossing illegally from Mexico.
While Texas has been deploying National Guard troops and state police officers up and down the state’s border since 2021, the move to create an 80-acre base camp cements a large law enforcement infrastructure in the region and signals Texas’ commitment to a security role that previously belonged almost exclusively to the federal government.
“This will increase the ability for a larger number of Texas military department personnel in Eagle Pass to operate more effectively and more efficiently,” Mr. Abbott said in his announcement, as he was flanked by a row of armed National Guard members. The camp, Mr. Abbott added, “will amass a large army in a very strategic area.”Mr. Abbott did not say on Friday how much money the state was spending to build the base, but added that the financial impact would be “minimal” in view of the state’s existing expenditures to house those deployed on the border.
The camp, which will include a 700-seat dining facility, a gym, a laundry and medical services, will save on hotel costs for the existing deployment. And it will presumably make way for additional states that are sending troops to help patrol the border as part of a widening rift between Republican governors and the federal government over border enforcement.
Pay up Texas taxpayers!!! Get your checkbooks out!
I’m sure they’d rather pay for this than have to foot the bill for millions of illegals, Genius.
@L1ber4lBarryRepublican3mos3MO
If this deters one out of a hundred illegal border crossers it would easily pay for itself. This is ignoring the lives saved by discouraging what the UN calls “the most dangerous border crossing in the world.”
@NurturingCowRepublican3mos3MO
Isn’t it crazy?! Texas is not responsible for guarding the federal border…but when when the current admin fails…what do you do?
@E1ectionFerretDemocrat3mos3MO
Biden already authorized construction of the border wall in October. You're already building parts of the wall.
You can no longer call this 'Biden's border crisis' when you have refused to allow the federal government to do their constitutional duty.
You've been there since 2021
@TrustingV0terGreen3mos3MO
Where does the money come from to build this? how do you get the funds without legislators involvement? Did you consider Laredo as a location? The Texas border is 1,241 miles and you are placing it at the furthest point west. Something just does not seem right.
@ISIDEWITH3mos3MO
@ISIDEWITH3mos3MO
@9K2LCP9Independent3mos3MO
It is a smart idea but is going to be a while till resolved.
@9K299Y83mos3MO
The Texas news is news that is happening within our borders so it should be our top priory
@9K26SKJ3mos3MO
Because I am from Mexico, so News concerning Mexico matter to me.
@9K24MQK3mos3MO
This is a great start to tackling the border crisis
@9K2368Y3mos3MO
Close the border. Every immigrant should be allowed here if they have arrived legally and become legal citizens
@9JZX3FL3mos3MO
We need to protect OUR borders. I am in support of the Military base.
@9JZPK6W3mos3MO
People should just live in peace
@EuphoricDuckRepublican3mos3MO
Now this is starting to look like the problem is being taken seriously. Good. Electrical grid protection, imperative to bolster is against potential EMP strike. All states in USA should begin critical surveillance of their high altitude air space.
@UrchinJimmyConstitution3mos3MO
Thank you to the heroes that serve this nation and keep America free. As part of a military family, I am proud to be an American Citizen. Let’s protect America!
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