Texas Governor Greg Abbott welcomed former ICE director Tom Homan to the southern border as part of a bold move to address the escalating border crisis. The visit comes amid a surge of illegal crossings that has overwhelmed communities and law enforcement along the Texas-Mexico border.

Homan, a vocal critic of the Biden administration’s immigration policies, did not hold back during the visit. He emphasized the importance of deportation in tackling the border crisis, stating, “Deportation is a key tool that sends a clear message to those thinking of crossing illegally. When you remove people, others will think twice about breaking our laws.”

Abbott’s Operation Lone Star, which prioritizes arresting and deporting illegal immigrants, has been praised by Republicans but criticized by Democrats who favor more lenient border policies. Abbott doubled down on his approach, stating that the Biden administration’s lax enforcement has emboldened cartels and human traffickers.

“Washington has failed us,” Abbott declared. “Texas will step up where the federal government has fallen short. We’re protecting our border, our families, and our sovereignty.”

Homan also commended Abbott’s efforts, calling Texas “a model for how states can lead” in the absence of federal action. “Under President Trump, we had a secure border. We were deporting illegal aliens and deterring crossings. Now, it’s chaos,” Homan said. He criticized President Biden for reversing many of Trump’s effective policies, including Remain in Mexico and the border wall construction.

Republicans have argued that enforcing deportation and finishing the wall are essential steps to restoring order at the border. Homan reiterated that cartels profit from Biden’s open-border approach, exploiting weak enforcement to traffic drugs and humans into the U.S.

The visit highlights the stark contrast between Republican and Democrat approaches to immigration. With Abbott and Homan leading the charge, many conservatives are rallying behind the call for stricter enforcement, more deportations, and stronger border security. “We can’t keep rewarding lawbreaking,” Abbott said. “We need consequences. And deportation is the consequence.”

The border crisis is shaping up to be a defining issue heading into the next election cycle. With Abbott and Homan emphasizing action over rhetoric, their visit sends a clear message: securing the border is non-negotiable for the safety and future of the United States.