Smith, president of the Texas Sheriffs Association, said the unsafe border is an “intentional, destructive and inhumane violation of Texas and federal law.”
AUSTIN, Texas — After meeting with Gov. Greg Abbott in Austin on Wednesday, Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith declared the Texas-Mexico border crisis constitutional in a letter on behalf of the Texas Sheriffs Association. requested that it be done. In the face of a crisis, the federal government steps in to provide aid.
Smith, president of the Texas Sheriffs Association, said in the letter that an unsafe border is an “intentional, destructive and inhumane violation of Texas state and federal law.” The sheriffs who signed the letter urged them to immediately secure the Texas border through legal means.
Smith said issues at the southern border are overwhelming Texas and U.S. resources, causing more people to cross.
In his letter, he wrote that the Texas Sheriff's Association wants the “dangerous and chaotic 'Texas Border Emergency'” formally declared a constitutional crisis and a crime against humanity. He said the U.S. government should support border security without delay.
“Border security and immigration can and should be mutually exclusive. An outdated immigration process that needs improvement means our government has an ineffective, unsafe and dangerous southern border. It does not imply or require anyone to have any,” Smith wrote.
Smith added that the southern border is a national security issue, endangering U.S. sovereignty and the safety of Americans.
“We recognize the indisputable and unprecedented atrocities occurring on our nation's southern border,” Smith said. “Among the unvetted immigrants entering Texas from more than 120 countries are cartel members, gang members, known or suspected terrorists, and human traffickers, all of whom are members of the United States and its citizens. The influx of illegal drugs poses a clear and present danger to our communities.'' ”
Mr. Smith concluded his letter by saying that the sheriffs are bound to uphold their constitutional oath and that he stands in solidarity with Mr. Abbott to protect the people of Texas.
Mr. Abbott met with Mr. Smith, National Sheriff's Association Director and Collin County Sheriff Jim Skinner, and Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Wayborn at the Texas State Capitol in Austin on Wednesday afternoon.
Several other East Texas sheriffs signed a letter of support.
- Cherokee County Sheriff Brent Dixon
- Cass County Sheriff Larry Rowe
- Bowie County Sheriff Jeffrey K. Neal
- Angelina County Sheriff Tom Selman
- Henderson County Sheriff Boti Hillhouse
- Rains County Sheriff Michael O. Hopkins
- Rusk County Sheriff John Wayne Valdez
- Upshur County Sheriff Larry Webb
- Van Zandt County Sheriff Joe Carter
- Panola County Sheriff Cutter Clinton
- Nacogdoches County Sheriff Jason Bridges
- Wood County Sheriff Kelly Cole
- Franklin County Sheriff Ricky S. Jones
- Camp County Sheriff John B. Corteyou
