Thread: Texas Governor Perry Launches "Operation Rio Grande&quo

http://www.kfoxtv.com/news/6884730/detail.html

Perry Launches "Operation Rio Grande"

Governor Rick Perry announced on Thursday afternoon that he has launched "Operation Rio Grande." The goal, says Perry, is "to take back our border from those who exploit it."

At a newsconference in Austin, Perry said he was responding to increasing violence and reports of incursions along the border, including those in Hudspeth County in January.

"There is not only great concern that the drug trade is becoming more aggressive, but that terrorist organizations are seeking to exploit our porous border," Perry said. "Last year alone, 135,000 people who are not of Mexican descent were apprehended entering Texas illegally. The threat is real, and it grows each day."

"With 'Operation Rio Grande,' the state will take the lead role in coordinating state and local efforts to detect, track and deter criminal activity along the border," Perry said.

The Governor says the State Operations Center will serve as a central point of coordination for state, local and federal officials.

Among other parts of "Operation Rio Grande."

Texas Rangers will begin an investigation of reported incursions along the border.

A Department of Public Safety (DPS) rapid response team of state troopers will be dispatched to troubled areas.

DPS aviation assets will be used to support "Operation Linebacker."

And the development of regionalized "enhanced" SWAT teams with rapid response capabilities.

"While enforcing our border remains the responsibility of the federal government," Perry said, "the state will not wait for Washington to take all the necessary actions."

http://www.news8austin.com/content/your ... rID=155339

Operation Rio Grande bolsters border security
2/9/2006 5:43 PM
By: Associated Press

Gov. Rick Perry announced Thursday Operation Rio Grande to bolster efforts for border security and safety.

The state-led operation comes amid an increasingly violent drug trade in Mexico -- plus terrorist concerns.

Perry told the Austin news conference that border law enforcement remains mainly the federal government's responsibility. But he said Texas won't wait for Washington to take all the necessary action.

The state effort follows a secure-border initiative – by sheriffs in 16 counties – called Operation Linebacker. Perry has ordered deployment of Department of Public Safety troopers, vehicles and aircraft to further support patrols.

He also wants Texas Rangers to investigate alleged incursions by the Mexican military.

Mexican authorities deny that uniform-wearing drug smugglers in a January confrontation with officers in West Texas -- were Mexican soldiers.