Hundreds of Texas National Guard Deputized and Sworn In to Increase Border Security

Hundreds of Texas National Guard soldiers have been officially sworn in, granting them authority to enforce federal immigration law in coordination with U.S. Border Patrol agents.

The move comes as part of an agreement between Texas Governor Greg Abbott and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to bolster enforcement efforts along the Texas-Mexico border.

U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks shared a video on X showing the mass swearing-in ceremony, where the soldiers took an oath of office.

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Under this new authority, Texas National Guard troops will operate under Title 8 immigration authority, allowing them to support federal agents in immigration enforcement efforts.

Texas National Guard sworn in and ready to serve! Taking the oath, empowered with Title 8 authority to support Border Patrol in enforcement actions. Securing our border, together. pic.twitter.com/9baUvtkKot

— Chief Michael W. Banks (@USBPChief) February 15, 2025

The development follows a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed earlier this month between Governor Abbott and Acting U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Pete Flores.

The agreement permits trained Texas National Guard personnel to conduct roving patrols and assist in enforcing immigration laws, provided they are accompanied by a Border Patrol agent or an immigration officer.

The MOU stipulates that one federal immigration officer or agent must be assigned for every four National Guard members.

According to Breitbart Texas reporter Randy Clark, the latest expansion of immigration enforcement powers adds at least 3,000 Texas Army National Guard soldiers to the number of federal law enforcement officers already assisting DHS, including agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the U.S. Marshals Service.

With the swearing-in ceremony complete, the MOU has now been activated, enabling Texas National Guard troops to function as a force multiplier for Border Patrol agents.

Their role will include assisting in the apprehension of individuals crossing the border illegally and enhancing security operations in high-traffic areas.

The deployment of National Guard troops to assist in immigration enforcement is part of Texas’ broader effort to address border security concerns, as record numbers of illegal crossings continue to strain federal and state resources.

#BREAKING: The Trump administration has officially DEPUTIZED the Texas National Guard, giving them immigration enforcement and arrest power, per @AliBradleyTV

This adds another 4,000+ personnel protecting our borders.

THANK YOU 47 and @GregAbbott_TX! pic.twitter.com/qT9OqrwMng

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) February 2, 2025

The agreement represents a significant escalation in the state’s involvement in border enforcement, a move that has been a key priority for Governor Abbott.

The partnership between Texas and the federal government under the MOU is expected to increase enforcement capabilities and reduce the burden on Border Patrol agents, who have faced overwhelming numbers of illegal crossings in recent months.

As the policy takes effect, the impact of this additional personnel on border security operations remains to be seen.

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