Representative Jack Jordan discusses visit at the Texas southern border

Before the legislative session, State Representative Jack Jordan (R-Breman) and other state legislators visited the Texas southern border to get a briefing on Operation Lone Star, a border security initiative started by Texas Governor Greg Abbott to deter illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and human smuggling.

A report from the Homeland Security Committee recorded more than 10 million encounters with inadmissible aliens nationwide, including more than 8 million at the southwest border since the start of the 2021 fiscal year. Jordan said that as the front line of defense against illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and more, these law enforcement professionals work early mornings and late nights to protect U.S. citizens and maintain the safety of the nation's borders.

"Our trip to the Texas border was an eye-opening journey as we were able to see border patrol actively protect our citizens and the challenges these officers face," Jordan said. "The federal government has long ignored the long-term impact of these illegal crossings, and I'm grateful we now have an administration taking action to secure our border. Through this experience, I'm particularly thankful to the brave men and women who watch our border so we are able to keep our freedoms."

This legislative session, Jordan supported House Bill 1531 that clarifies the enforcement of federal immigration laws by local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. Jordan said it also includes provisions that require governmental bodies to comply with immigration detainer requests, inform individuals of their detention status and provide specific records related to those requests. 

The Federation for American Immigration Reform reported that taxpayers spent approximately $182 billion to cover the costs incurred from the presence of more than 15 million illegal aliens and over 5 million citizen children of illegal aliens. Jordan said illegal immigration is costing the average U.S. taxpayer $1,156 every year, highlighting the role of the U.S. Border Patrol in securing the border, preventing unlawful crossings, and reducing the financial burden on taxpayers.

Visit cbp.gov to learn more about U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Click here to learn more about illegal immigration. Contact Jordan's Statehouse office at in.gov/h17.

PHOTO CAPTION 1: State Rep. Jack Jordan (R-Bremen) (front right) receives an airboat demonstration on the Rio Grande River during his visit to the Texas southern border on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024.

PHOTO CAPTION 2: State Rep. Jack Jordan (R-Bremen) (second from left) receives a helicopter ride along the southern border from law enforcement on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. Jordan was there for a briefing on Operation Lone Star, a border security initiative started by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to deter illegal immigration, drug trafficking and human trafficking.