“What a pleasure to have President Trump back in Texas,” said Governor Greg Abbott, who hosted 45th President Donald J. Trump for a border security briefing with state officials and law enforcement in Weslaco on Wednesday, June 30, 2021. Following the briefing, the Governor and former President Trump toured a portion of the unfinished border wall in Pharr.
Later that day, the two joined Sean Hannity of Fox News for a televised Town Hall meeting. Freestone County Sheriff Jeremy Shipley was an invited guest to this event.
“I joined other sheriffs in discussing safety and security issues, humanitarian issues, overcrowding in holding facilities, an unbelievable increase in human trafficking, drugs, and gang activity,” said Sheriff Shipley.
“In just five months, the Biden Administration has done everything it can to reverse President Trump’s border strategy, and their open border policies have led to a disaster at our southern border,” said Governor Abbott. “Because of President Biden’s outright refusal to secure the border, the State of Texas is stepping up to continue the work of the Trump administration by building a wall and restoring law and order along the border. The State of Texas is grateful for our shared commitment and partnership with former President Trump to secure the border and keep our communities safe.”
During the security briefing, several officials updated former President Trump on Texas’ ongoing efforts to secure the border and halt the trafficking and smuggling of people, weapons, drugs, and other contraband into the state.
Steve McCraw, Director of Department of Public Safety, said that cartels are teaming up with gangs in the U.S. and doing everything to exploit the new situation at the border.
Bill Waybourn, Tarrant County Sheriff, relayed that fetnyl overdoses as far away as his county are due to border security. Says drugs are flowing from Mexico.
And, Benny Martinez, Brooks County Sheriff, said that they are overwhelmed chasing illegal immigrants. Says they are uncovering many more dead bodies of migrants than when Trump was in office.
“We just don’t have the resources,” Martinez said.
President Trump addressed the crowd, saying he was proud to endorse Governor Abbott. He spoke on his administrations efforts to complete the border wall and that “Our elections are a mess.”
Upon conclusion of the briefing, Governor Abbott and former President Trump toured an unfinished portion of the border wall that was halted by President Joe Biden. The Governor discussed the State of Texas’ recently announced strategy to construct a border wall to keep communities safe and prevent unlawful immigration.
“The border crisis affects us all,” said Sheriff Shipley. “Not just those around the border and not just Texas; the entire nation.”
Although seven hours away from the border, Shipley reminds readers that Freestone County possesses one of the most used corridors for sex trafficking and narcotics in the state: Interstate 45.
“I’m proud to be involved in regard to our citizens safety and future,” said Shipley. “I’m proud to join many other Texas Sheriff’s in fighting for law and order, and fighting for the safety and security of our people. I’m honored to be able to represent my family, friends, and neighbors of Freestone County.”
