Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced that the state’s aggressive campaign against illegal immigration and the Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang has achieved significant results, with illegal crossings reportedly reduced by nearly 90% and close to 50,000 criminal arrests made.

Abbott’s office highlighted the success of Operation Lone Star, launched in March 2021, which has seen the collaboration of more than a dozen Republican-led states. The initiative has led to over 530,400 illegal immigrant apprehensions and nearly 49,900 criminal arrests, including more than 42,900 felony charges.

This morning, @TxDPS Troopers arrested 11 illegal immigrants for criminal trespass in Eagle Pass after crossing unlawfully between the ports of entry. The group of 11 from Venezuela, Columbia, & Mexico were transported & jailed for state criminal charges. #OperationLoneStar pic.twitter.com/PJtBHtxRcm

— Chris Olivarez (@LtChrisOlivarez) December 31, 2024

The governor’s efforts have included building Texas’ own border wall to continue construction halted by President Biden early in his administration. “Our top priority is the safety and security of Texans, including against the growing threat of Tren de Aragua,” Abbott stated on X. “We will not allow this gang to operate or gain a foothold in Texas.”

During Operation Lone Star, Texas law enforcement seized over 620 million lethal doses of fentanyl, which Abbott’s office noted is “enough to kill every man, woman, and child in the United States, Mexico, and Canada combined.” Additionally, the governor designated TdA as a foreign terrorist organization and initiated a task force to identify and apprehend its members.

Our top priority is the safety and security of Texans, including against the growing threat of Tren de Aragua.

Last week, DPS arrested four TdA criminals attempting to illegally cross the border.

Texas will continue to put these criminals behind bars. https://t.co/C1WsRgs4Gi

— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) January 10, 2025

In a huge landmark achievement, Texas Department of Public Safety troopers arrested four TdA members on New Year’s Eve, including a suspected high-ranking gang leader, Fox News reports.

The operation also involved transporting 119,400 illegal immigrants to sanctuary cities such as Washington, D.C., New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, Denver, and Los Angeles. Abbott’s office emphasized these cities’ sanctuary policies in their decision to relocate migrants there.

According to Abbott spokesperson Andrew Mahaleris, Operation Lone Star has cost the state over $11 billion, funding efforts such as deploying National Guard soldiers, installing barriers, cracking down on violent gangs, and constructing additional border walls.

“Thanks to these efforts, Texas has decreased illegal crossings into the state by 87%,” Mahaleris said. “Governor Abbott remains committed to working closely with President Trump and his incoming administration to protect our state and the nation.”