Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott on Sunday granted sweeping new powers to the state's National Guard to carry out immigration arrests under an agreement with the Trump administration.
"Effective immediately. This boosts man power for border security," he said on X.
A memorandum of understanding released by Abbott's office said Texas troops must be accompanied by a Customs and Border Protection officer when enforcing immigration policies, and notes that the state will pay for all costs tied to the collaboration.
The Department of Homeland Security last month authorized law enforcement agents from across the federal government to take part in "investigating, determining the location of, and apprehending" undocumented migrants.
The Trump administration arrested over 7,400 illegal immigrants in the U.S. during a nine-day span in January, part of the president's actions to crack down on illegal immigration.
Ramiro Luna of Somos Tejas, a Dallas-based nonprofit focused on Latino civic engagement, told the Texas Tribune there's a lot of "fear going on" amid the deportations.
"Our community feels threatened, and while we're doing our best to provide information and peace of mind, it's incredibly difficult. People are afraid to come to any gathering — even to get basic necessities."