Posted: Friday, January 30, 2015 9:20 am | Updated: 6:35 pm, Sat Jan 31, 2015.

From Staff Reports

Austin, Texas– Representative John Wray returned to the Capitol Sunday afternoon after a four day fact-finding tour to the Rio Grande Valley.

Wray, who views the rise in illegal immigration and the increasing threat to state security as a top priority of the legislative session, made a point of visiting the border region on his first official visit in his capacity as State Representative.

"With the unprecedented Border Surge we saw last summer, more than ever I feel the state needs to make a commitment to border security," Wray said. "Where Washington D.C. fails to act, Texas will move to protect our communities. To find the best solution, I wanted to see the problem at its source and see the facts first hand."

A highlight of the trip was a visit to a Border Patrol station in the Edinburg. The facility was constructed to accommodate the influx in illegal crossings. He toured the facility and met with the Sector Chief and Deputy Chief.

"It's difficult to understand the gravity of the situation until you stand at the border, visit the facilities and talk to law enforcement agents," Wray said.

He was briefed on the current state of border, as well as the effect that state-led efforts and partnerships have had in securing the border. He also reviewed the commercial inspection procedures at the Pharr International bridge border crossing. This particular port of entry has seized illicit drugs valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars and prevented countless attempts of illegal border crossings.

The tour also displayed the vibrant economic growth the region has benefitted from in recent years. Drawn by the economic environment fostered by the state, numerous manufacturers and businesses started in or relocated to the region.

"The Texan entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in the valley. The vitality of the region is inspiring and a great indicator of our healthy economy," he's aid.

Wray also visited a space rocket assembly factory, a household goods manufacturer, a hospital and a public university.

John Wray is a principled conservative serving in his first term as Texas State Representative, House District 10, the area encompassing Ellis County and part of Henderson County. John currently resides in Waxahachie with his wife, Michele, and their two children, Morgan and Patrick.

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