Posted on 09/26/2007 3:34:01 PM PDT by SwinneySwitch
Operation Border Star ongoing along the border region
AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today announced the first meetings of the newly-appointed Border Security Council, October 1-3, 2007. The meetings will take place in border communities, offering a public forum for testimony relating to strengthening safety and security in the Texas-Mexico border region and areas statewide. The meetings will occur during the first phase of the State of Texas’ newest border security surge, Operation Border Star.
“Texans know that border-related crime is not isolated to the border region. All Texans, and all Americans, are affected by the smuggling of drugs and humans as they make their way across the Texas-Mexico border and into our communities,” said Perry. “The Border Security Council will play an important role in helping the state coordinate efficient and effective strategies to create a stronger law enforcement presence along the border to prevent and deter criminal activity.”
The Border Security Council focuses on homeland security and economic development along the Texas-Mexico Border. Created in Senate Bill 11 during the 80th Legislative Session, the council is responsible for developing and recommending performance standards, reporting requirements and audit methods for funds allocated to the Office of the Governor for border security. The council also advises Governor Perry on the allocation of homeland security funds.
In coordination with the United States Border Patrol, the Texas Border Sheriff’s Coalition, the Coastal Bend Sheriffs Coalition and border area police departments, the State of Texas launched Operation Border Star in mid-September. This operation is a unified high intensity, multi-agency effort focused on reducing crime in targeted regions along the Texas-Mexico border. The operation will continue for a time period that will remain undisclosed for operational security purposes.
Operation Border Star draws resources from across the state to support the U.S. Border Patrol, including local law enforcement; Texas Department of Public Safety troopers, criminal intelligence personnel and Texas Rangers; Texas Parks and Wildlife Department game wardens; and Texas Military Forces personnel and equipment, including fixed wing aircrafts, and a large arsenal of helicopters with night vision capabilities.
To date, 11,095 pounds of marijuana, 35.4 pounds of cocaine and 7.4 pounds of methamphetamine have been seized as a result of Operation Border Star. Additionally, 170 illegal aliens have been arrested, including three members of Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13, which is considered the fastest-growing and most violent street gang in the nation today. More importantly, organized smuggling activities have decreased since this operation began. Law enforcement agencies have reported a reduction in the number of calls they have received for assistance, which reflect complaints received from the public to report suspicious or criminal activity. During periods of low smuggling activity, the number of calls decreases.
In support of this operation, the U.S. Border Patrol is hosting Joint Operation Intelligence Centers (JOIC) in each of the five Texas Border Sectors. The establishment of JOICs will enable participating law enforcement entities to maximize the effect of enforcement personnel and resources, while facilitating information sharing. Through this cohesive law enforcement effort, criminal activity with a direct nexus to the Texas-Mexico border will be reduced and higher levels of border security instilled.
“By joining together with our local, state and federal partners, we will support the men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol, and protect our communities by dominating the border,” Perry said. “While securing our international borders is ultimately the responsibility of the federal government, Texas can and will assist in that effort to maximize its effect.”
This operation will be substantially expanded during the next year with guidance from the Texas Border Security Council and more than $100 million provided by the 80th Texas Legislature for continued border security efforts.
Operation Border Star Ping!
If you want on, or off this S. Texas/Mexico ping list, please FReepMail me.
Perry - would you buy a used car from this man?
HELL No!!!
I’m sure he’ll make some promise and break it as soon as he gets back to his office, just like he did when campaigning for governor. He’s a RINO of the first order.
Pretty underwhelming if you ask me. What is that, about two minutes worth of U.S. drug consumption and illegal invader border crossings?
We’re here to give you border security.
Translation
We’re here to erase the border...
I wouldn’t bet you, but you’re definately on the right track. We can adjust the figures after a little math.
Sounds a lot like the usless Texas Tax Reform Commission he named two years ago to modernize the State's tax system and provide property tax relief.
I can’t count the lies this man has sold Texas. I don’t see how the man sleeps at night.
I left my beloved native State of Texas in 1968 returning about 6 years ago when my family inherited properties in the State. I am constantly amazed at how the State now finds new and creative ways to feed the Austin monster. We now have the last of our Texas properties for sale. I literally had to give one property away.
B U M P
Sorry to here that. Texas economy is doing very well thanks to oil and gas.
LOL! Someone needs to tell this west Texas county. There are less people in this county than there was in 1968 when I first came here. Advertised through a Nationally known realtor, the commercial property I just sold took two years just to get a rock bottom offer on. No, I've owned four Texas properties in my life, from deep east Texas to far west Texas, and all have been financial disappointments. I'm sure someone in Texas may be doing well but my experiences tell me to take my meager retirement and investment money somewhere else.
I guess I am blindsided here in Houston. So much construction going on it’s hard to keep up. Thanks for the headup on where not to own property. Hope all turns out well.
Yes, I suppose Houston, like most American cities, seldom sees long-lasting economic downturns. I grew up in the Pineywoods of east Texas and even lived in Houston as a child MANY years ago. However, Albuquerque is where I now have my primary home. Everytime I drive home, and as I appproach the City from the east, I pass at least four or five U-Huals going into the City. We are now trying to find a rural retirement home but have decided to remain in New Mexico where property prices are higher than in Texas but where property taxes remain low. It’s a toss up but the New Mexico scenery is outstanding. And too, I’ve been out here since I was 18 years old.
“Perry - would you buy a used car from this man?”
No but, apparently we’ll rent a house for him....at $10,000 per month.
Taxes around here run about 3.1% of the value per year. Errr!
ping
At least you get something back for your tax dollars in Houston, e.g., libraries, museums, freeways, etc. Our taxes are a little higher than 3.1% in this county and the only town in the County of any size barely has a main street. One fellow just bought a 10,000 ft2 storefront building on Main with about an acre of lumber barns next to the building for $20,000. I believe it is more of a liability than an asset.
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