Texas has successfully regained control of an island that had become a haven for cartel activity involving the trafficking of humans, drugs, and weapons near the U.S.-Mexico border. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has turned his attention to installing a new military base of operations nearby for 1,800 National Guard troops to patrol the border.
Fronton Island in the Rio Grande Seized in November, Fully Secure Now
The National Guard seized Fronton Island back for the state of Texas in November, and the process to securitize the island, considered as being “on the most violent part of the border” by Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, has been completed. Buckingham recently returned from a visit to Fronton Island, formerly no-man’s land for law-abiding individuals.
Texas National Guard and Department of Public Safety Conducted Thorough Reclamation
In a televised interview this week, Buckingham said that the Texas National Guard and Dept. of Public Safety had reclaimed Fronton Island, located in the Rio Grande within Starr County, TX, in November.
Fronton Island Known for Incessant Cartel Violence and Trafficking Operations
Before its reclamation, the 170-acre island was notorious for ongoing violence and gunfire. Fronton Island is densely wooded and had long been exploited for criminal activities that transpired across the U.S.-Mexico border.
Island Served as Storage Site for Human, Weapons, and Drug Trafficking
Prior to Texas taking control of the island, both Texas and Mexican cartels used the island as a storage site for human trafficking, weapons, and drugs. The site was described as hosting automatic gunfire and continuous violence.
Discoveries Included Illegal Weapons, Explosive Devices, Drugs Including Fentanyl
Significant discoveries by Texas officials at the site included illegal weapons, explosive devices, and a substantial quantity of drugs, specifically fentanyl, capable of causing widespread fatalities.
Fronton Island Now Secure with Razor Wire
Following the island’s capture, security measures such as installing concertina razor wire have been implemented, similar to those in areas with high migrant crossings like Shelby Park. Buckingham assured that the island no longer serves as a crossing point for smuggling weapons and people.
Engineers Lay 1.4 miles Concertina Wire to Address Chronic Breaches
Following the recapture of Fronton Island, the Lone Star Special Response Team engineers laid 1.4 miles of razor wire to address chronic breaches, enhancing the security and operational mobility around the island.
Abbott Initiates Construction of National Guard Base of Operations for 1,800 Troops
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott declared Friday that work had begun on a new 80-acre military installation at the U.S.-Mexico Border where 1,800 troops could be deployed to enhance border security. The state could potentially expand to house up to 2,300 personnel.
Consolidated Troops, Improved Conditions for Service Members
The Texas base camp would consolidate National Guard troops from the Rio Grande River six miles south toward Shelby Park. Gov. Abbott called the new installation a “win-win” for better soldier conditions and lower statewide costs in battling illegal immigration.
Phase One Complete in April for 300 Troops; 300 More Beds Added Every Month
The first phase will be completed by April and will be able to house 300 troops, with an additional 300 beds being added every month. The base will feature private accommodations for soldiers and amenities like recreational areas, Wi-Fi access, and a spacious dining facility.
Addresses Current Long Travel Distances and Cramped Living Conditions
Gov. Abbott highlighted the significant improvement this development represents for the troops, who have previously faced challenges such as long travel distances for their assignments and cramped living conditions.
Transformation in Living Standards Leads to Operational Agility and Effectiveness
Gov. Abbott emphasized the transformation in living standards for the service members, stating that constructing this base camp is crucial for sustaining and expanding their operational efforts.
Consolidation Optics Ruffle Feathers of Mexican Government
The strategic consolidation of forces is described as rallying a formidable army in a key location, which has already shown its impact by substantially reducing illegal migrant crossings recently. Mexican officials have criticized the efforts as a political ploy rather than a helpful intervention.
Abbott Further Plans to Expand Razor Wire Fencing, Declaring Its Proven Effectiveness
The Texas governor also mentioned plans to expand the deployment of razor wire, noting its proven effectiveness in discouraging unauthorized entries. He pointed out a significant decrease in migrant encounters, which have dropped to roughly 1% of previous figures.
