Governor Greg Abbott, U.S. Border Czar Tom Homan, National Border Patrol Council President Paul Perez, and Governors Mike Kehoe of Missouri, Jim Pillen of Nebraska, Bill Lee of Tennessee, and Glenn Youngkin of Virginia visited the Texas border to serve Thanksgiving meals and express gratitude to Texas National Guard soldiers and Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers stationed there.
Governor Abbott addressed the service members by saying: “Thank you all for your service. You saved the United States of America at a time when we were being overrun by millions of people coming across the border illegally. You were the vanguard to make sure that in Texas, we put up a fight to defend our country and defend our state. We thank you, and God bless you all for what you are doing for our country.”
Tom Homan stated: “We have the most secure border in the history of the nation today. You all were helping save America by keeping criminals from crossing into our country. Hats off to you. God bless you and thank you.”
Paul Perez said: “This is the most secure border that we have ever seen in our entire history. Governor Abbott helped save this country, and the Governors who sent their best out here did the same. You guys are at the forefront to save America. Thank you for everything that you have done.”
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe thanked those serving: “Thank you to the men and women of the Texas National Guard and DPS. Every one of our Missourians who came down here to serve had nothing but great things to say about the professionalism here in Texas. Every state is a border state. What you are doing here makes a difference.”
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen also expressed appreciation: “On behalf of all Nebraskans, we are extraordinarily grateful. You risk your personal safety and health for all Nebraskans and everybody in the United States of America. We want you to know we are working hard to do our part. A gigantic thank you for your service and for you answering the call.”
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee commented on his presence at the event: “The reason I am here today is to simply say thank you. You should know there are people around this country who pray for your protection. There are hundreds of millions of Americans who owe a debt of gratitude to you.”
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin noted his state’s involvement: “The sentiment of thank you seems almost insufficient. Texas stood up. I am proud that the Virginia National Guard was able to deploy right here in Eagle Pass and help. I want to thank you for answering the call because the work that is being done today is the most critical work in this country. Thanks for the work that you are doing here.”
DPS Colonel Freeman Martin and Major General Thomas Suelzer, Adjutant General of Texas, also attended.
Texas officials stated they continue efforts with federal partners from previous administrations aiming at securing borders against smuggling activities involving drugs, weapons, or people between ports of entry; these actions fall under Operation Lone Star policies which reportedly contributed—alongside former President Donald Trump’s leadership—to reducing illegal crossings by 92% since their peak during prior federal administration periods.
Additional photos from this event will be released as they become available.
