Abbott speaks about continued border security efforts, need for bond reform
Abbott to make changes at Texas-Mexico border
There will be no withdrawal from the border, but Gov. Abbott said he is doing a re-evaluation and re-calibration of his border security strategy
AUSTIN, Texas - Texas Gov. Greg Abbott spoke Tuesday about the continued efforts to secure the U.S.-Mexico border at the Texas Border Sheriffs' Coalition Conference in Austin.
Border Security
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What they're saying:
Abbott spoke on "the continued partnership to secure the border and protect Texas communities" at the coalition's 20th annual Spring Meeting.
He said that much of his time, effort and budget in recent years has been focused on Texas' border counties.
The governor said that Texas had to step up after the "floodgates" opened when Joe Biden became president.
"For the first time ever, they were not being apprehended. They were not be detained. They were being let go and chaos ensued," Abbott said.
Abbott thanked the sheriffs for their efforts during those years to arrest criminals crossing the border and take fentanyl off of the streets.
Gov. Abbott on border security and bond reform
PRESS CONFERENCE: Governor Greg Abbott addresses a crowds at Texas Border Sheriffs' Coalition Conference on April 29, 2025. Abbott spoke about the changes at the border and his push for bond reform.
The governor said while border crossings have dropped during President Trump's first 100 days in office, law enforcement cannot ease up.
"If we let the foot off the gas, that's just going to send the signal. Once again, it's going to be easier getting in. Law enforcement is one of those jobs and there kind of is never a day off," Abbott said.
He also detailed agreements between Texas and the U.S. to use National Guard troops to help secure the border. Abbott says he plans to keep a National Guard presence at the border.
The governor also said that in the next state budget, they will continue to fund local law enforcement at the border to make sure it remains secure.
Bond Reform
What they're saying:
Governor Abbott also brought up another of his priorities: bond reform.
"We must fix a deadly and broken bail system that lets dangerous criminals back onto the streets that you are charged with having to patrol," Abbott said.
The governor called for judges to automatically deny bail for violent crimes like murder, rape and human trafficking "unless there is clear and convincing evidence that the defendant will appear in court and not endanger the community," for judges to explain their bail decisions to the the public in writing and for prosecutors to have the right to appeal a judge's bond or bail decision.
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There are several bail reform bills that have been filed in the Texas Legislature.
Because bail is written into the Texas Constitution, it requires a constitutional amendment to alter. That requires a two-thirds vote in both the Texas House and Senate.
Bail reform was one of seven emergency items laid out by the governor earlier this year.
Attendees' reaction to Abbott's remarks
Dig deeper:
Among those at the Tuesday event was Val Verde County Sheriff Joe Frank Martinez.
"Over a 60, 65-day period, Val Verde County's taxpayers lost $223,000 for housing people coming across the border illegally," said Sheriff Martinez.
Martinez, a Democrat, did support Operation Lone Star and is hoping the state will support what may happen next.
"Now we have to work on the back end because all these individuals that failed to appear, they're gonna be coming back to our counties. And our jails cannot afford to hold them. We'll be overpopulated," said Sheriff Martinez.
Texas Lyceum poll
Big picture view:
The sheriff's position on immigration appears to align with results from the new Texas Lyceum poll.
The poll, released Tuesday, has immigration as the top issue in Texas followed by the economy and border security.
Many who responded to the survey also said they support deporting undocumented migrants.
"Ten years ago, someone could say America is a nation of immigrants, and that wouldn't be a controversial statement. That was one of the narratives that was pretty common. I think that narrative shifted," said Joshua Blank, who directed the poll.
As with all polling, attitudes and opinions can quickly change in politics, and so can policy.
"Well, you can't pull back. Back but you know four years from now, you know it'll be a different story and let's just hope that the border is secure in four years and continues to be for the next 10-20 years," said Sheriff Martinez.
The Source: Information in this report comes from Gov. Greg Abbott's office and reporting by FOX 7 Austin's chief political reporter Rudy Koski.