Texas Gov Abbott says state National Guard now has authority to make immigration arrests

Abbott said the deal was "effective immediately."

Published: February 3, 2025 9:16am

Texas GOP Gov. Greg Abbott say that as a part of the deal with the Trump administration, the state's national guard has the authority to make immigration arrests. 

"This boosts manpower for border security," Abbott wrote on the social media platform, X late Sunday night. 

He also said the change was "effective immediately."

The Texas National Guard, as part of the agreement, will be able to exercise duties of immigration agents as long as an agent is with them, according to a memorandum reviewed by Breitbart News.

Guardsmen also will be able to arrest illegal migrants in the state, as part of the agreement. 

One of President Donald Trump's top issues he ran on was mass deportations and curbing the amount of illegal migrants coming into the U.S. 

On his first day in office, Trump signed multiple executive orders aimed at securing the U.S. southern border where many migrants come through.

The Facts Inside Our Reporter's Notebook

Unlock unlimited access

  • No Ads Within Stories
  • No Autoplay Videos
  • VIP access to exclusive Just the News newsmaker events hosted by John Solomon and his team.
  • Support the investigative reporting and honest news presentation you've come to enjoy from Just the News.
  • Just the News Spotlight

    Support Just the News