In a significant move to bolster border security, hundreds of Texas National Guard soldiers were officially sworn in this week, granting them authority to enforce federal immigration law in coordination with U.S. Border Patrol agents.
The swearing-in ceremony, shared in a video posted by U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks on X, marks a new phase in the partnership between Texas and the federal government to address the ongoing crisis at the southern border.
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The initiative stems from a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed earlier this month between Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Acting U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Pete Flores. Under the agreement, trained Texas National Guard personnel will operate under Title 8 immigration authority, allowing them to assist federal agents in immigration enforcement efforts.
The MOU stipulates that one federal immigration officer or agent must accompany every four National Guard members during operations. This collaboration is designed to enhance border security by increasing the number of personnel available to patrol high-traffic areas and apprehend individuals crossing the border illegally.
The agreement adds at least 3,000 Texas Army National Guard soldiers to the ranks of federal law enforcement officers already assisting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). These troops will join agents from agencies such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the U.S. Marshals Service in supporting border security operations.
The deployment of National Guard troops comes as Texas and the federal government grapple with record numbers of illegal border crossings, which have strained resources and overwhelmed Border Patrol agents. In recent months, the surge in migration has created significant challenges for both state and federal authorities, prompting calls for increased enforcement measures.
Under the new agreement, National Guard soldiers will conduct roving patrols and assist in immigration enforcement activities, including the apprehension of individuals who enter the country illegally.
Their presence is expected to act as a force multiplier, allowing Border Patrol agents to focus on high-priority tasks while the Guard handles additional responsibilities.
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