AUSTIN, TEXAS — In response to Gov. Abbott’s sweeping directive to require “appropriate state agencies” to do the jobs of federal immigration enforcement, Texas House Democrats sent a formal letter to the leadership of state agencies receiving Operation Lone Star funding, demanding answers about the cost and implementation of such a program.
Executive Order GA-54 directs state agencies and departments to assist federal actors in carrying out immigration enforcement functions, including investigating, apprehending, and detaining individuals — something which 30 million Texans already pay for through federal income tax. Democratic members expressed grave concerns about the continued diversion of state resources and personnel away from the essential services that the legislature specifically funded to serve Texas communities.
“Governor Abbott has already spent billions playing border politics while Texans struggle with the rising costs of food and housing,” said House Democratic Caucus Chairman Rep. Gene Wu. “At a time when border crossings are at record lows, this executive order threatens to funnel even more Texans’ tax dollars away from our communities and into doing the job of federal immigration enforcement.”
Texas taxpayers deserve to know exactly how much Abbott’s latest directive will impact the services they depend on. The Governor continues to turn state workers and law enforcement into federal immigration enforcement while critical services suffer — and Texas House Democrats are committed to holding him accountable.
Read the full text of the letter here.
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