Governor Abbott Orders Expanded DPS Operations Amid Rising Cartel Violence

AUSTIN, Texas (Feb. 23, 2026) — Greg Abbott on Monday directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to intensify public safety and homeland security operations statewide in response to escalating cartel violence in Mexico that officials warn could threaten American civilians.

In a press release, Abbott said Mexican drug cartels pose a growing risk to both public safety and national security, pledging that Texas would “utilize every tool and strategy” to prevent criminal spillover into the state.

Under the governor’s directive, DPS will surge personnel from the Texas Highway Patrol, Texas Rangers, Criminal Investigations Division, and Special Operations Group to the border region. The additional resources are aimed at detecting, interdicting, and apprehending criminal actors, while preventing transnational threats from crossing into Texas communities.

The agency will also expand operations conducted by its Tactical Marine Unit and Aircraft Operations Division along the border to enhance aerial and maritime surveillance. Officials said these efforts are designed to strengthen rapid response capabilities and improve coordination across state and federal partners.

Abbott further ordered the activation of additional personnel from the Homeland Security Division and the Texas Fusion Center to monitor social media and suspicious activity reports around the clock.

The move comes a day after Abbott urged Texans currently in Mexico — and those with loved ones traveling there — to follow guidance issued by the U.S. Department of State amid ongoing security operations, road blockages, and criminal activity in parts of the country.

Texans in need of immediate assistance can contact the State Department or the Texas Fusion Center through their respective emergency hotlines, officials said.