Texas House Takes Bold Steps to Strengthen Border Security and Immigration Laws

The Texas House passed two immigration bills, one allocating over $1 billion for additional border barriers and another increasing penalties for human smugglers. The debate on a third bill, which would empower police officers to apprehend and send back migrants who cross the border illegally, was interrupted by a motion to block new amendments. Lawmakers are continuing their efforts to deter illegal immigration at the Texas-Mexico border, with Governor Greg Abbott's Operation Lone Star. Critics express concerns about potential wrongful arrests of U.S. citizens and the effectiveness of deterring major smugglers.