'HISTORIC LOWS': Border crossings continue to drop under Trump administration

Texas Border Security & Smuggling Operations: A Detailed Analysis

Key Concepts:

• Operation Lone Star: Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) initiative focused on border security.
• Human Smuggling: The illegal transportation of individuals across international borders.
• Drug Smuggling: The illegal transportation of narcotics across international borders, specifically focusing on fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine.
• Counter-Drone Technology: Technology used to detect, identify, and neutralize unauthorized drone activity.
• Ports of Entry: Designated locations for legal border crossings.
• Cartels: Criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking and human smuggling.
• Apprehensions: The act of taking someone into custody, typically related to illegal border crossings.

I. Current Border Situation & Apprehension Numbers

Lieutenant Christopher Olivarez (Texas DPS) reports a significant shift in the border situation. While illegal border crossings are currently at historic lows – 130 apprehensions yesterday compared to 10,000-15,000 daily four to five years ago – criminal activity hasn’t ceased. The decrease is attributed to the ongoing mission in Texas, specifically Operation Lone Star. However, apprehensions are still 95% lower than the average under the Biden administration, with approximately 245 apprehensions per day across the entire border. This suggests a significantly more controlled border environment.

II. Adapting Criminal Tactics: From People to Drugs

Cartels, facing reduced profits from human smuggling due to increased border security, are adapting by increasing drug smuggling operations. Olivarez notes a substantial increase in seized methamphetamine and cocaine. Drug seizures have increased, with some drugs showing a doubling or quadrupling in quantity compared to last year (2024). Fentanyl remains a significant concern, but methamphetamine and cocaine are becoming increasingly prevalent. This shift demonstrates the cartels’ adaptability and focus on maintaining revenue streams.

III. Operation Lone Star & Technological Advancements

Governor Greg Abbott’s Operation Lone Star has been instrumental in border security efforts. Since its inception in 2022, DPS has made over 60,000 criminal arrests and seized 841 million doses of fentanyl. A key component of this operation is the expanded use of drones. Texas now possesses one of the largest law enforcement drone fleets in the country, with over 400 drones and 400+ certified remote pilots.

This drone fleet is complemented by counter-drone technology deployed in helicopters, capable of identifying drones used illegally by cartels for smuggling drugs or people. These drones pose a threat to commercial and law enforcement aircraft due to unregulated flight patterns and altitudes. The state has secured funding from both the Governor and the legislature to acquire this technology, highlighting its importance to both state and national security. Texas is actively securing national airspace, navigating federal regulations while utilizing advanced capabilities.

IV. Federal Collaboration & Locating Released Migrants

Beyond technology, a critical aspect of the operation involves collaboration with federal partners to locate and remove illegal migrants who have been released into the country. Olivarez emphasizes the importance of identifying and removing these individuals, particularly those with potential criminal backgrounds. This proactive approach aims to prevent future criminal activity.

V. Challenges & Long-Term Solutions

While current enforcement is effective, Olivarez stresses the need for long-term solutions. He highlights the importance of adapting laws to address future challenges, aiming to avoid a return to the high levels of border traffic seen four to five years ago. He acknowledges that cartels will always seek ways to circumvent security measures, utilizing tactics like tunnel networks and attempting to smuggle individuals from diverse origins (e.g., Nepal).

VI. Cartel Adaptability & Smuggling Methods

Cartels are consistently adapting their methods to maximize profits. When human smuggling becomes more difficult due to increased security, they shift focus to drug trafficking. They are utilizing tunnels and increasingly sophisticated methods to transport both drugs and people across the border. The increased difficulty of smuggling people is attributed to the technology and collaboration with federal law enforcement, particularly the use of drones.

VII. Jonathan Hunt’s Perspective (Washington Bureau)

Jonathan Hunt, reporting from the Washington Bureau, commends the work of Texas DPS, acknowledging its impact extends beyond the state’s borders and has likely saved countless lives. He emphasizes the importance of continued border security efforts and the need for renewed focus on both the southern and northern borders.

Notable Quotes:

• Lieutenant Christopher Olivarez: “Cartels will adapt…going back to a money maker – drug smuggling.”
• Lieutenant Christopher Olivarez: “Texas, we are leading the way one step ahead of cartels trying to combat them.”
• Jonathan Hunt: “You probably saved countless lives by the work you and your men have been doing.”

Data & Statistics:

• Border Apprehensions (Current): 130 per day (Southwest Border)
• Border Apprehensions (Biden Administration Average): 245 per day (Entire Border)
• Border Apprehensions (4-5 Years Ago): 10,000-15,000 per day
• Operation Lone Star Arrests (Since 2022): Over 60,000
• Fentanyl Seized (Operation Lone Star): 841 million doses
• Drone Fleet Size: Over 400 drones
• Certified Drone Pilots: Over 400
• Drug Seizure Increase: Methamphetamine and cocaine seizures have doubled or quadrupled in some cases compared to last year.

Conclusion:

The video highlights the dynamic nature of border security and the ongoing efforts of Texas DPS through Operation Lone Star. While significant progress has been made in reducing illegal border crossings, cartels are adapting by shifting their focus to drug smuggling. Technological advancements, particularly the use of drones and counter-drone technology, are proving crucial in combating these criminal activities. Long-term solutions require not only continued enforcement but also legislative changes to address future challenges and secure the border for decades to come. The collaborative efforts between state and federal agencies are essential for effectively addressing this complex issue.