Texas Considers Busing Migrants Directly to ICE Detention Centers

A New York Post article claims Texas Governor Greg Abbott is considering a plan to transport immigrants straight to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) holding facilities instead of sanctuary communities. Linked with the Operation Lone Star initiative of the state, the change seeks to expedite the deportation process.

Starting in April 2022, Operation Lone Star has moved approximately 100,000 migrants to sanctuary cities, including Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and New York City, using state-funded busses. Comprising part of Texas's more crucial border security effort, the program has also enabled 453 million doses of fentanyl seized, 495,400 apprehensions, and 38,300 criminal arrests.

Former acting ICE Director Tom Homan suggested a new strategy would send immigrants straight to ICE detention centers, where deportation processes might start faster. Recently appointed as Donald Trump's "Border Czar," Homan promises to assist Abbott's border security initiatives, including this possible legislative change.

Recently, Homan and Abbott met at the Texas-Mexico border to go about continuing immigration issues. Homan underlined cooperation with Texas officials and expressed his dedication to "mass deportation" policies even though they did not specifically disclose the latest busing plan.

According to state sources, ICE would pay Texas back for the transportation expenses, so matching federal and state resources in handling border security. Critics would counter that this change would run legal and practical difficulties, especially in relation to the state's cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

Although Governor Abbott has not publicly approved the plan, Texas officials stress the significance of keeping a strong deterrence at the border. "We can't just walk away," a source said, stressing the significant stakes for border states negotiating immigration policy.

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