Dec 03 2024 3 mins
In recent days, Texas has been at the forefront of national news, particularly with its stance on immigration and border security. The state's efforts to support President-elect Donald Trump's mass deportation plan have garnered significant attention. Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham has offered additional state land to the federal government for the construction of deportation facilities, specifically highlighting the "Jocelyn Initiative," named after 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, who was allegedly murdered by illegal immigrants in Houston[1].
Tom Homan, the incoming Border Czar for President-elect Trump, praised Governor Greg Abbott and Texas law enforcement for their efforts to secure the border, suggesting that Texas could serve as a model for national border security policies. This comes as the state continues to expand its border wall and crack down on illegal immigration and drug trafficking[1].
In other government news, Governor Abbott has sworn in Col. Freeman Martin as the new director of the Texas Department of Public Safety. Martin, a former Texas Ranger and deputy director of the DPS, was unanimously selected by the Public Safety Commission and is the first Texas Ranger to hold the position. He has promised to work closely with local and federal partners to ensure public safety in Texas[3].
On the legislative front, the Texas Speaker's race is intensifying, with House Republicans divided over their nominee. Former Governor Rick Perry has expressed support for current Speaker Dade Phelan, while Republican Representative Richard Hayes of Denton County supports Phelan's challenger, Representative David Cook[1].
In economic news, President-elect Trump has announced plans to levy a 25% tariff on goods imported from Mexico and Canada until drugs and undocumented migrants stop crossing the border. This move has been met with skepticism by some, including Senator Ted Cruz, who has expressed concerns about the economic impact of tariffs but supports using them as a diplomatic lever to secure the border[4].
On the community front, there have been significant developments in education and public safety. A recent report found that Black and Hispanic high schoolers who have to drive more than 30 minutes to a community college are less likely to pursue a degree. Additionally, programs like the Lee College reentry class are helping prisoners prepare for jobs and reduce recidivism[2].
In environmental news, Governor Abbott has renewed the Hurricane Beryl disaster proclamation, which was originally issued in July 2024. The proclamation covers numerous counties affected by the hurricane and authorizes the use of all available state resources to cope with the disaster[5].
Furthermore, there have been concerns raised about the use of fertilizer made from sewage, which has allegedly poisoned land across Texas. An untold number of farmers and ranchers have spread this fertilizer on their land, promoted as an environmental win-win for years[2].
Looking ahead, Texas is expected to remain a focal point for national discussions on immigration and border security. The state's efforts to support President-elect Trump's policies will likely continue to draw attention. Additionally, the Texas legislature is set to convene in the coming months, with significant policy changes potentially on the horizon. The ongoing Speaker's race and the new leadership at the Texas Department of Public Safety will also be key stories to watch in the coming weeks. As Texas continues to navigate its role in national politics and policy, residents and observers alike will be closely following these developing stories.
Tom Homan, the incoming Border Czar for President-elect Trump, praised Governor Greg Abbott and Texas law enforcement for their efforts to secure the border, suggesting that Texas could serve as a model for national border security policies. This comes as the state continues to expand its border wall and crack down on illegal immigration and drug trafficking[1].
In other government news, Governor Abbott has sworn in Col. Freeman Martin as the new director of the Texas Department of Public Safety. Martin, a former Texas Ranger and deputy director of the DPS, was unanimously selected by the Public Safety Commission and is the first Texas Ranger to hold the position. He has promised to work closely with local and federal partners to ensure public safety in Texas[3].
On the legislative front, the Texas Speaker's race is intensifying, with House Republicans divided over their nominee. Former Governor Rick Perry has expressed support for current Speaker Dade Phelan, while Republican Representative Richard Hayes of Denton County supports Phelan's challenger, Representative David Cook[1].
In economic news, President-elect Trump has announced plans to levy a 25% tariff on goods imported from Mexico and Canada until drugs and undocumented migrants stop crossing the border. This move has been met with skepticism by some, including Senator Ted Cruz, who has expressed concerns about the economic impact of tariffs but supports using them as a diplomatic lever to secure the border[4].
On the community front, there have been significant developments in education and public safety. A recent report found that Black and Hispanic high schoolers who have to drive more than 30 minutes to a community college are less likely to pursue a degree. Additionally, programs like the Lee College reentry class are helping prisoners prepare for jobs and reduce recidivism[2].
In environmental news, Governor Abbott has renewed the Hurricane Beryl disaster proclamation, which was originally issued in July 2024. The proclamation covers numerous counties affected by the hurricane and authorizes the use of all available state resources to cope with the disaster[5].
Furthermore, there have been concerns raised about the use of fertilizer made from sewage, which has allegedly poisoned land across Texas. An untold number of farmers and ranchers have spread this fertilizer on their land, promoted as an environmental win-win for years[2].
Looking ahead, Texas is expected to remain a focal point for national discussions on immigration and border security. The state's efforts to support President-elect Trump's policies will likely continue to draw attention. Additionally, the Texas legislature is set to convene in the coming months, with significant policy changes potentially on the horizon. The ongoing Speaker's race and the new leadership at the Texas Department of Public Safety will also be key stories to watch in the coming weeks. As Texas continues to navigate its role in national politics and policy, residents and observers alike will be closely following these developing stories.