Texas has already pledged to help the Trump administration secure the border, but lawmakers are looking to beef up that effort even more. State Sen. Tan Parker (R-Flower Mound) has filed Senate Bill 780, which would establish a state Homeland Security Division (HSD) within the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Specifically, the HSD would oversee the state's border security operations. The bill also allows the HSD to appoint a chief to manage the division.
SB 780 is one of multiple border security bills already filed or expected to be filed for the 89th Texas Legislative Session. Both Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick have listed border security among the legislative priorities for this session. Abbott recently discussed the issue at a news conference announcing a new billboard program to deter illegals south of the border from coming to Texas. "Because of the size of the state of Texas, because it's the most southern border state--two-thirds of the entire mileage between the United States and Mexico is the state of Texas--those are a lot of the reasons why Texas will be playing a centerpiece role in closing the border, and in the deportation process," said Abbott.
"Texas has, and will continue, to do whatever it takes to make sure we gain control of illegal immigration in the state of Texas," Abbott continued. "And that means working hand-in-hand with the Trump administration in making sure that we close the border, secure the border, and aid them in the deportation process."
SB 780 is one step toward helping in that goal, with others likely to come this session. "By creating a dedicated Homeland Security Division, we are enhancing Texas' ability to respond to evolving threats and ensuring a unified, strategic approach to safeguarding our state," said Parker in a press release
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