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,...