Texas News

Disaster proclamation for border security renewed as Texas counties face continued challenges

Austin, Texas – In October 2024, Governor Greg Abbott announced the renewal of a border security disaster proclamation, continuing the state’s response to the surge of individuals unlawfully crossing the Texas–Mexico border. This decision reaffirms the declaration initially issued on May 31, 2021, which has been repeatedly amended to include affected counties and reflect ongoing concerns over the threat to state security.

The proclamation, issued under Section 418.014 of the Texas Government Code, recognizes the border situation as “an ongoing and imminent threat of disaster” for numerous counties and all state agencies impacted by the crisis. Governor Abbott emphasized that these conditions continue to persist, requiring the disaster declaration’s renewal to maintain efforts for effective border management.

Disaster Status Extended to Dozens of Texas Counties

With the latest proclamation, disaster status has been renewed for over 60 counties, including Aransas, Brooks, Cameron, El Paso, Hidalgo, Maverick, Webb, and Uvalde, among others. Calhoun County, which has also declared a local state of disaster, remains included on the list. The renewal ensures that all state agencies and the designated counties can continue to operate under the emergency provisions outlined in the original 2021 declaration and subsequent amendments.

The disaster proclamation grants the state government additional powers to address the security challenges at the border. This includes maintaining or modifying orders, directions, and suspensions of certain regulations to enhance border operations and response efforts.

Maintaining Statewide Border Security Efforts

The renewed disaster proclamation is intended to reinforce Texas’s commitment to managing the influx of migrants and addressing the challenges associated with the ongoing border crisis. It allows the state to sustain collaborative efforts across agencies and counties, using the resources and emergency powers provided under the disaster declaration. The proclamation ensures that critical measures remain in place to protect the security and welfare of Texas residents.

Governor Abbott’s office emphasized that the orders and directions outlined in the original May 2021 proclamation, along with its subsequent amendments, remain in “full force and effect.” The governor’s renewal underscores the need for ongoing vigilance and operational readiness as Texas continues to manage the impacts of the border situation.

Copies of the proclamation will be filed with the necessary authorities, as required by state law, to ensure the continued implementation of the emergency provisions across the affected areas.

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