Texas is taking a significant step towards bolstering border security by acquiring a sprawling 1,400-acre ranch along the Rio Grande River in Starr County. This strategic move comes as the state continues its own border wall construction project, launched by Governor Greg Abbott in response to the Biden administration’s halt of the Trump-era wall construction. The ranch’s location in Starr County, within Border Patrol’s Rio Grande Sector, is crucial, as it has witnessed some of the highest levels of migrant traffic, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and weapon trafficking.
The Texas General Land Office (GLO) has purchased the ranch, marking its second major land acquisition in Starr County, bringing its total holdings in the region to over 4,000 acres. This significant purchase is a direct response to requests from the Texas Facilities Commission, the entity responsible for building the border wall.
Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham emphasized the critical nature of this acquisition. “They said, ‘Look, it’s in the main area of where we’re seeing the traffic across the border. We have terrible things happening on this piece of property. The current owner is not only blocking the border wall, but she is blocking law enforcement’s access to that property,’” Buckingham explained. “And to really get complete operational control of the border, we really need to control this piece of ground.’ So we made her an offer. We found a way to purchase her ranch from her.”
Buckingham revealed that bulldozers are already on site, indicating that construction on the new wall segment is poised to begin swiftly.
The acquisition is part of Texas’ comprehensive border security strategy, which includes other measures like the recent declaration of Fronton Island as state property to prevent illegal crossings.
Texas officials are resolute in their belief that this new wall section, combined with existing efforts, will effectively curb the flow of illegal immigrants, drugs, and weapons across the border, ensuring the safety of the region.
This acquisition comes amid a heated national debate on immigration and border security, particularly in the context of the upcoming presidential election. Former President Donald Trump has pledged to resume border wall construction if re-elected, while Vice President Kamala Harris has endorsed a Senate border bill that includes funding for border agencies, including some limited border wall construction.
The acquisition of the Starr County ranch underscores the ongoing commitment of Texas to protect its borders and address the complex challenges posed by illegal immigration and cross-border crime.
