Texas governor issues executive order restricting transportation of migrants due to COVID-19

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Wed, 28 Jul 2021 00:00 UTC

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Texas Governor Greg Abbott

Texas Governor Greg Abbott today issued an Executive Order restricting ground transportation of migrants who pose a risk of carrying COVID-19 into Texas communities. The Executive Order also directed the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to stop any vehicle upon reasonable suspicion of such violation and reroute such vehicles back to its point of origin or a port of entry. DPS also has the authority to impound a vehicle that violates the Executive Order.

Governor Abbott stated:

"The dramatic rise in unlawful border crossings has also led to a dramatic rise in COVID-19 cases among unlawful migrants who have made their way into our state, and we must do more to protect Texans from this virus and reduce the burden on our communities. This Executive Order will reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure in our communities."

Comment: Governor Abbott also gives National Guard orders to assist local law enforcement with migrant arrests:

Governor Abbott on Tuesday sent his request for more "manpower" to mitigate border crossings in a letter to Maj. Gen. Tracy R. Norris of the Texas Military Department, according to The Texas Tribune.

"To respond to this disaster and secure the rule of law at our Southern border, more manpower is needed — in addition to the troopers from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and soldiers from the Texas National Guard I have already deployed there — and DPS needs help in arresting those who are violating state law," the letter stated, according to the news outlet. "I hereby order that the Texas National Guard assist DPS in enforcing Texas law by arresting lawbreakers at the border."

National guardsmen deployed under state orders are legally allowed to conduct law enforcement.

Abbott has repeatedly slammed President Biden for his handling of increased border crossings, with Tuesday's move marking his latest attempt to counteract it. Officials at the border have reportedly apprehended thousands of migrants attempting to enter the United States.

See also: Biden's border crisis gets worse; surge of illegal juveniles, fentanyl and migrant deaths