Galveston County Deputies: Protecting Texas Amid Border Crisis

Deputies from Kinney County, Texas's Galveston County Sheriff's Office's Border Security Response Team detain individuals who have crossed.Photo byGalveston County Sheriff's Office

In an extraordinary display of commitment and service, a group of sheriff's deputies from Galveston County in Texas have voluntarily dedicated themselves to protecting their border for an astounding 30 consecutive months. These deputies, led by Sheriff Henry Trochesset, have gone above and beyond to support border security at the Texas-Mexico border amid a surge of illegal border crossings.

Travelling approximately 400 miles from Galveston County to the border, these deputies have been part of the Galveston County Sheriff's Office's Border Security Response Team (BSRT). This team, initiated by Sheriff Trochesset, was the first in the nation to deploy deputies continuously for such an extended period, totaling over 100 two-week deployments since August 2021.

The deputies' efforts, bolstered by funding allocated by the Texas Legislature through Governor Greg Abbott's Operation Lone Star (OLS), have resulted in significant contributions to border security. They have intercepted a substantial number of illegal foreign nationals, apprehending over 8,000 adults and 200-plus minors. Additionally, their actions led to the arrest of individuals involved in felonies and misdemeanours, as well as the confiscation of numerous weapons valued at $15,050.

Deputies from the Galveston County Sheriff's Office Border Security Response Team arrested alleged human smugglers in Kinney County, Texas.Photo byGalveston County Sheriff's Office

The town of Kinney County, a small border community, faced severe challenges due to the overwhelming surge of illegal border crossings, prompting the declaration of a disaster and later an invasion. Sheriff Brad Coe, with decades of Border Patrol experience, described the situation as an influx of single military-aged men, surpassing the county's population sevenfold.

Residents in the affected areas have testified to facing intimidation and threats from intruders, highlighting the chaos and distress caused by the surge in unlawful border crossings. Over 10 million foreign nationals, including nearly 2 million in Texas alone, have entered the U.S. illegally since January 2021, creating immense strain on local communities.

Sheriff Trochesset urges collaborative efforts to address the crisis, emphasizing the need for a united response to secure the border and safeguard communities from potential threats posed by illegal immigration. The GCSO remains committed to these border security efforts, recognizing their critical role in preventing criminal elements, such as gang members, suspected terrorists, human smugglers, and illegal drugs, from infiltrating their communities.

The impact of the deputies' involvement in Kinney County under Operation Lone Star has been profoundly significant, providing essential manpower and support to a community overwhelmed by the border crisis. Their unwavering dedication and voluntary service reflect their commitment to safeguarding their state and country during this unprecedented challenge at the border.