Abbott Orders DPS Surge Along Border Amid Escalating Cartel Violence

Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to increase public safety and homeland security operations across Texas in response to escalating cartel violence in Mexico.

State officials say the surge is aimed at preventing potential spillover criminal activity into Texas as violence intensifies south of the border.

“Mexican drug cartels pose a significant threat to public safety and national security,” Abbott said in a statement Monday. “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.”

What DPS Is Doing

At the governor’s direction, DPS will:

• Surge Texas Highway Patrol, Texas Rangers, Criminal Investigations Division, and Special Operations Group resources to the Texas-Mexico border region to detect, interdict, and apprehend criminals.

• Increase Tactical Marine Unit and Aircraft Operations Division patrols along the border.

• Activate additional personnel from the Homeland Security Division and the Texas Fusion Center to monitor social media and suspicious activity reports around the clock.

The enhanced operations are part of Texas’ broader border security efforts amid ongoing cartel activity and unrest in parts of Mexico.

Travel Advisory for Texans

On Sunday, Abbott urged Texans currently in Mexico — as well as those with family or friends traveling there — to closely follow warnings from the U.S. Department of State due to security operations, road blockages, and criminal activity across Mexico.

Texans in need of immediate assistance can contact:

• U.S. Department of State

  • From the U.S.: 1-888-407-4747

  • From outside the U.S.: 1-202-501-4444

• Texas Fusion Center: 1-844-927-0521

State officials say the situation remains fluid, and DPS will continue adjusting operations as needed.