A Texas National Guard member has been arrested for allegedly smuggling migrants across the border, marking a shocking breach within the ranks assigned to protect it. This not only questions the effectiveness of current border security measures but also exposes potential vulnerabilities within Operation Lone Star.
Guard Against the Law
In a startling revelation, a Texas National Guard member was recently charged with aiding migrants in crossing the border illegally. This incident, occurring for at least the second time in a year, underscores a troubling trend within the ranks tasked with safeguarding Texas’ boundary.
High-Speed Chase Unfolds
A silver SUV, clocking speeds over 100 mph, sparked a high-stakes chase near the U.S.-Mexico border, an area notorious for smuggling operations. The pursuit came to a dramatic end on Sunday, with a fleeing migrant and the driver apprehended, thanks to police deploying spike strips across the road.
An Unexpected Culprit
While such chases are not uncommon, the driver’s identity this time was shocking—a Texas Army National Guard member was behind the wheel. This incident shines a light on a concerning pattern, marking the second occasion in under a year where military personnel were implicated in migrant smuggling efforts.
Military Smuggling Scandal
Last June witnessed the arrest of two soldiers, one from the Louisiana National Guard, in a similar smuggling operation through Texas’ remote ranchlands. These breaches raise serious questions about the integrity of soldiers deployed under Gov. Greg Abbott’s Operation Lone Star, aimed at fortifying the state’s border security.
Soldier Under Scrutiny
The latest to join the list of accused is Savion Amari Donovan Johnson, whose role as a National Guard soldier was confirmed by law enforcement. His involvement in such activities, especially under a program like Operation Lone Star, adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing border security challenges.
A Guard’s Betrayal
Sheriff Brad Coe of Kinney County revealed the shocking twist that the individual caught smuggling migrants was a National Guard member, reportedly serving as a public information officer. This incident casts a shadow on the military’s involvement in border security, with the smuggled migrant found in a vehicle laden with official gear from Operation Lone Star.
The Unlikely Smugglers
Sheriff Coe lamented the troubling trend of diverse individuals, including National Guard members, getting involved in smuggling for lucrative gains. From lawyers to clergy, the allure of easy money has ensnared a broad swath of society, underlining the complexity of the issue at the border.
Official Silence and Historical Echoes
While the Texas Military Department stays mum on the case, the arrest mirrors past instances where Border Patrol agents were caught in similar illegal acts. This event raises questions about the effectiveness of the substantial increase in state law enforcement and National Guard presence at the border as part of Governor Abbott’s security measures.
Accusations of Treason
In a stern statement, Andrew Mahaleris, press secretary for Governor Abbott, branded the accused as a traitor facing serious legal repercussions, including a possible mandatory minimum prison sentence of ten years. This harsh stance reflects the gravity with which the state views the betrayal of its border security mission.
High-Speed Pursuit and Charges
26-year-old Savion Amari Donovan Johnson faced arrest after leading police on a high-speed chase in a silver GMC SUV, trying to evade capture for speeding. Charged with human smuggling, evading arrest, and illegal weapon possession, Johnson’s actions prompted a swift response, including the use of road spikes by law enforcement to halt his flight.
The Aftermath of the Chase
Despite the dramatic chase and subsequent arrest, details about Johnson’s legal representation remain unclear, and the migrant who attempted escape was eventually apprehended. This incident not only highlights the challenges of border security but also the unexpected participants in smuggling operations.
