With every passing day, it has become increasingly evident that the federal government intentionally fails to uphold the primary responsibility to protect the citizens from the purposeful invasion at our southern border. As a result of the current administration's failures, it is now up to our great state to fulfill its role in protecting Texans. Crucial first steps have been promised and are in the beginning stages of development. Sadly, these preliminary stages, including the beginning of the completion of the border wall, are not immediate actions that are desperately needed. The reality is that the wall's construction will take precious time that Texas cannot afford.

Additionally, the expansion of jails, at taxpayer's expense, will also take time and is not an immediate solution. According to CNN, approximately 2 million aliens are expected to cross over our border, which is a conservative number. Reuters recently reported that over 1 million border arrests had been made so farthis fiscal year. Our great state cannot possibly produce enough space to house this influx of arrested illegal aliens, nor can it be accomplished in the timing needed to address the thousands currently crossing into Texas daily while the wall/jails are under construction. 

We, the citizens of Texas, demand the following IMMEDIATE actions to protect our great state and citizens! 

• The request for the Texas State Government Officials, such as Governor Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, to meet with Border Patrol Sector Chiefs and Union Leaders to draft IMMEDIATE solutions addressing the violations of illegal entry by utilizing 8 U.S.C. 1325 & 1326. Under 8 U.S.C. 1325 & 1326, Border Patrol Agents have the authority to arrest, detain and deport illegal aliens. This power can and should be delegated to Texas authority officials listed below. 
• Upon meeting with Border Patrol Sector Chiefs and Union Representatives, Texas State Government Officials should request that Texas D.P.S. officials and Texas National Guard Members, and if needed, authorized Texas Citizens, are deputized by Border Patrol/I.C.E./H.S.I. agencies, granting the same authority to our state divisions that are provided under federal law.
• We, the citizens of Texas, call on Governor Abbott to include the Border Crisis in the special session and allow for testimonies to be heard by a special committee. 
• Ensure the promised completion of the Texas border wall with public updates on the process given WEEKLY. 
 

The invasion at our border is unprecedented. As such, it calls for an unprecedented response. Texas must send a strong message that our state is CLOSED to illegal immigration. As constituents, we depend upon our elected officials to fulfill their constitutional duties and obligations by ensuring that ALL avenues to protect our state sovereignty and our families are utilized.