Southeast counties in Texas are allocating COVID relief funds for border security assistance as Border Patrol continues to see a record number of illegal crossings.
Galveston County Judge Mark Henry signed a three-page disaster declaration on Tuesday, which directs more than $6 million for border wall construction, first reported local news outlet ABC 13.
The directive will use funds issued to the county through the American Rescue Plan, a $1.9 trillion initiative signed by President Biden to assist with the lasting effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
The declaration also orders local law enforcement to send deputies to assist border security officials.
“We have seen an increase in violent and organized crime,” Henry said according to the Texas-based outlet. “We had a federal task force down here a few weeks ago serving warrants. We have seen an increased flow of drugs. We have had drugs wash up on the beach in Galveston County.”
The Galveston county judge did not provide information tying the increase in illegal immigrant arrivals to the increase in violent crime.
“This is a crisis that impacts all of Texas,” Henry said. “It’s not just Galveston County. My main focus is Galveston County, but I call on every other city, and county in the state of Texas. You’re all going to feel the effects of this.”- READ MORE
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