Texas continues, and always will, share 1,254-miles of border with Mexico, and it is well known how much of a problem it has been to contain. The immigration crisis essentially centers on the Texas-Mexico border, with little in the way of stopping it. Especially under Biden Administration that has actively fought Texas over the right to secure the border.

But Texas has continued the fight, putting up razor wire and floating border barriers in the Rio Grande, much to the displeasure of the administration. Donald Trump has also made a living off of saying 'build the wall,' at the border, which Texas has continued trying to do. The state on its own has erected another 4,500 feet of wall, and there are plans for more.

Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham says they have added the most recent section along a 1,400-acre ranch in Starr County, which they have offered to Trump to utilize as a staging point for his border plans.

"That wall will be complete soon, in the next week, minus a gate or two...but we are making great strides and getting things done here in Texas," she says.

That 4,500 feet of border wall equates though to about eight-tenths of a mile, along 1,000 miles of border. So, needless to say, there is plenty of work left to do. But under Biden, progress has been slow, with the Biden DOJ filing lawsuits against Texas at every turn.

Governor Greg Abbott has said they are using every tool at their disposal to stop illegal immigration, and that has put a strain on all those who protect the border. That includes the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), who are stretched thin already.

Lieutenant Chris Olivarez says though no matter how hard the Biden Administration has tried, Texas has continued its fight.

"We have 53 miles of Texas border wall constructed, with another 10-miles under contracted," he says. "So, we are looking at roughly over 65 miles of border wall constructed, essentially, by the state of Texas."

Amid all the lawfare and politicking, it is amazing Texas has managed that much wall with so few resources and assistance. But there is light on the horizon for a solution, with Trump returning to office. The border has been a pillar of his campaign and will take center stage on day one.

Lieutenant Olivarez says having a cooperative partner in the White House will go a long way, and Texas has set the example for them.

"What we have been doing in Texas, the federal government will take the lead on that and construct more border wall on top of what we have already built," he says.

He adds that the focus on the border from Trump will greatly reduce the strain put on their officers to enforce border laws.

As for the 1,400-acre ranch in Starr County, Trump has not confirmed if he will use the land yet. It has been proposed as an area for detention centers, and a main hub for helping with his mass deportation plan.

Building the wall will continue, albeit slowly. There are 65 miles down, with another 1,100 to go.

Jimmy Barrett