In a bold move aimed at combating illegal immigration and crime along the Texas-Mexico border, Texas General Land Office (GLO) Commissioner Dawn Buckingham extended an offer to lease a 1,400-acre tract of land to the incoming Trump Administration. This land, located in Starr County, Texas, is proposed for the construction of a facility dedicated to the processing, detention, and deportation of violent criminal migrants. Buckingham’s letter to President-elect Donald J. Trump outlines her office’s readiness to partner with federal agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the U.S. Border Patrol. She emphasizes the commitment to executing what could be the largest mass deportation of violent offenders in American history.
In her correspondence, Commissioner Buckingham articulated a strong stance against violence and crime, stating her support for Trump’s immigration policies. She expressed a vision for Texas as a sanctuary of hope and justice while emphasizing that violent crimes against citizens would no longer be tolerated. The land, acquired from a rancher last October, was initially purchased to build additional sections of the border wall, which is seen as a critical strategy in reducing drug and human smuggling in the area. The GLO’s plan includes the construction of a 1.5-mile border wall adjacent to the Rio Grande, intended to bolster security along this vulnerable stretch of the border.
The urgency of the GLO’s actions is underscored by the historical challenges of the previous landowner, who had reportedly obstructed law enforcement efforts to build the wall and prevent cartel activities. Buckingham pointed out the consequences of inaction, citing previous encounters where vulnerable migrants were victimized in the absence of adequate security measures. By offering the land for a facility to detain criminal migrants, the GLO hopes to address the ongoing threats posed by human trafficking and drug crimes in the region.
Buckingham has made headlines previously for her active efforts to address illegal immigration in Texas. Notably, she declared an island along the Rio Grande as state property to deter drug cartels that had used it to facilitate smuggling operations. Her office has worked in collaboration with local law enforcement to clear obstructive vegetation and provide support for initiatives like Operation Flat Top, which focused on repelling cartel activities. These steps have been part of Buckingham’s broader commitment to safeguard Texas residents and reduce illicit activities perpetrated by criminal organizations at the border.
The offer to lease the land comes at a critical time as President-elect Trump has indicated he may leverage military resources to tackle what he refers to as the “Biden border crisis.” This aligns with his campaign promises surrounding immigration enforcement, which include comprehensive deportation efforts that may involve military personnel. Trump’s statements on his Truth Social platform, reinforcing the potential deployment of military forces for immigration control, have sent a clear message regarding the administration’s intended approach to border security.
With the impending transition in leadership, Texas GLO’s proactive measures and proposed partnerships set the stage for a significant shift in immigration enforcement. Buckingham’s commitment to utilizing the land for the detention and deportation of violent offenders reflects broader implications for state-federal cooperation in border security efforts. As both the GLO and Trump administration navigate their plans for combating illegal immigration, the proposed facility could represent a pivotal development in Texas’s strategy to enhance safety and uphold the law. The collaboration seeks to affirm a robust response against crime while reinforcing the broader message of accountability and safety for Texas families.
