Governor Abbott renews border disaster declaration amidst ongoing border crisis
Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has renewed the border disaster declaration, citing the persistent surge of individuals unlawfully crossing the Texas-Mexico border as an ongoing threat. The proclamation, issued on September 21, 2023, reaffirms the governor's concerns about the impact on Texas counties and state agencies.
"The surge of individuals unlawfully crossing the Texas-Mexico border posed an ongoing and imminent threat of disaster for a number of Texas counties and for all state agencies affected by this disaster," said Governor Abbott.
The disaster declaration, initially issued on May 31, 2021, has seen several amendments to address the evolving situation at the border. The latest renewal underscores that the conditions necessitating these actions persist.
The disaster declaration encompasses numerous Texas counties, including Bee, Brewster, Brooks, Caldwell, Cameron, Chambers, and many others. All state agencies affected by this disaster declaration are also included. This means that all orders, directions, suspensions, and authorizations outlined in the original proclamation and its subsequent amendments remain in effect.
Governor Abbott also voiced strong criticism of President Biden's immigration policies in a press release on September 22, 2023. He stated, "Texas communities like Eagle Pass and El Paso should not have to shoulder the unprecedented surge of illegal immigration caused by President Biden's reckless open border policies."
In response to the influx of migrants, Governor Abbott announced the deployment of additional buses to Eagle Pass and El Paso. These buses aim to alleviate the strain on these border communities. Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to send migrants to self-declared sanctuary cities to provide relief to overburdened border towns. He stressed that Texas would continue to deploy as many buses as needed until President Biden addresses the border issue.
The ongoing border crisis has been a point of contention between the Biden administration and Texas officials. Governor Abbott's renewal of the border disaster declaration highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Texas due to the surge of illegal border crossings.
