Gov. Greg Abbott orders state agencies to aid Trump's deportation efforts
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 27: Texas Governor Greg Abbott speaks during the Houston Region Business Coalition's monthly meeting on October 27, 2021 in Houston, Texas. Abbott spoke on Texas' economic achievements and gave an update on the state's busine
AUSTIN, Texas - Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday signed five executive orders directing state agencies to aid the Trump administration's deportation efforts.
What we know:
The orders direct all state agencies to assist federal agents to "investigate, arrest, detain and deport" undocumented immigrants.
The move comes after the Trump administration ramped up efforts for mass deportation and directed Immigration and Customs Enforcement to conduct raids across the United States.
Dozens of undocumented immigrants were arrested across Texas over the weekend with raids in Houston, Dallas and Austin.
Abbott is also ordering agencies to add additional border barriers along the southern border and told the Texas Military Department to assist federal troops at the border.
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice and the Texas Facilities Commission were ordered to identify land available to lease to the federal government to use for detention and deportation.
Under the executive orders, state agencies are required to share information with the federal government on Mexican cartels and foreign terrorist organizations.
What we don't know:
While the orders were signed Wednesday, it's unknown how soon things like additional border barriers or land leases can be achieved.
What they're saying:
"For the past four years, Texas has worked around-the-clock to defend our southern border while former President Joe Biden refused to protect our country from an invasion he allowed," Abbott said. "Now, we have a Commander-in-Chief in the White House who will do what is necessary to protect Americans. Today, I issued five Executive Orders directing Texas state agencies to partner with the Trump Administration to enforce the rule of law and help secure the homeland. Just like President Donald Trump and his Administration, Texas will do what is necessary to keep our country safe."
The Source: Information in this article comes from Gov. Greg Abbott and previous FOX reporting.