Texas DPS Operatives Apprehend Group Attempting to Evade Detection After Crossing Rio Grande
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has confirmed the apprehension of a group of undocumented individuals attempting to evade authorities along the southern border. Lieutenant Chris Olivarez, a spokesperson for the Texas DPS South Texas Region, reported the incident, detailing that the apprehension occurred shortly after the group crossed the Rio Grande.
The operation involved state troopers intercepting the individuals who were actively trying to avoid detection, a scenario that distinguishes this group from migrants who typically surrender to authorities to claim asylum. These enforcement actions involve tactical tracking often utilizing both ground units and aerial surveillance to locate those moving through brush and private ranch lands adjacent to the river.
This apprehension is the latest development in Operation Lone Star, the state-led border security initiative launched by Texas Governor Greg Abbott in 2021. The multi-billion dollar operation empowers state troopers and National Guard members to arrest migrants on state criminal charges, such as criminal trespassing, effectively allowing state law enforcement to intervene in what has traditionally been the jurisdiction of the federal government. The Rio Grande Valley remains a primary focus of these efforts due to the density of crossings and the challenging terrain that facilitates evasion.
However, the state’s approach to border enforcement continues to draw sharp criticism from various legal and human rights advocacy groups. Opponents of Operation Lone Star argue that the initiative lacks constitutional grounding, suggesting that immigration enforcement is the sole prerogative of the federal government. Furthermore, humanitarian organizations have raised concerns regarding the treatment of migrants and the physical risks associated with high-speed pursuits and aggressive interdiction tactics. Critics contend that resources should be redirected toward humanitarian aid and processing efficiency rather than militarized deterrence.
