Texas offers land for migrant deportation centers, naming initiative after slain 12-year-old girl.
At a Glance
- Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham offers 1,400-acre ranch for deportation facilities
- Initiative named after Jocelyn Nungaray, a 12-year-old allegedly killed by illegal migrants
- Facilities aim to temporarily hold violent criminals before deportation
- Texas seeks federal reimbursement for border security expenses
Texas Proposes Land for Trump’s Deportation Centers
In a bold move to address border security concerns, Texas has offered land to the Trump administration for establishing migrant deportation centers. The initiative, spearheaded by Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, involves a 1,400-acre ranch on the U.S.-Mexico border in Starr County, Rio Grande Valley. This property, purchased by Texas last month, is strategically located near major airports and a river bridge, making it suitable for processing and deporting illegal immigrants.
The offer highlights the state’s commitment to supporting aggressive border measures, aligning with former President Donald Trump’s plans for mass deportations. Buckingham extended the offer to Trump on November 14, emphasizing the state’s readiness to assist federal efforts in managing illegal immigration.
The Jocelyn Initiative: A Tribute and a Mission
The proposed project has been named the “Jocelyn Initiative,” paying tribute to Jocelyn Nungaray, a 12-year-old girl allegedly killed by illegal immigrants. This naming underscores the emotional and political weight of the issue, with Jocelyn’s family supporting the project. The initiative aims to prevent similar tragedies and expedite the deportation of violent criminal migrants.
Commissioner Buckingham elaborated on the project’s scope: “The new project that the general land office is gonna embark on that I have created is the Jocelyn initiative, in which we will locate appropriate land under my jurisdiction to lease for the construction of violent criminal deportation facilities.”
We WILL gain complete operational control of our southern border.
After acquiring a 1,400-acre ranch in Starr County, Commission Buckingham is now offering to lease the land to the Trump Administration, where they can build deportation facilities to hold dangerous criminals and… pic.twitter.com/ZishhjJy37
— Texas General Land Office (@TXGLO) November 24, 2024
Texas’s Broader Border Security Efforts
This land offer is part of Texas’s larger strategy to bolster border security. Governor Greg Abbott has reported spending $10 billion on border security measures during the Biden administration. These efforts include the construction of razor-wire barriers and the implementation of laws allowing for the arrest of illegal border crossers.
“We do hear through back channels that they are taking a look at it and considering it. But we just want them to know we’re a good partner. We’re here. We want to be helpful,” Buckingham stated, highlighting Texas’s willingness to collaborate with federal authorities.
Political Implications and Challenges
The proposal has significant political implications, highlighting the divide between Republican and Democratic states on immigration policies. While Texas and other Republican-led states support these aggressive measures, Democratic-led states have vowed non-cooperation with Trump’s deportation plans.
The initiative also raises questions about funding, design, and legality. Republican officials, including Texas GOP Representative Chip Roy, aim to seek reimbursement for border security expenses. The debate over these facilities is expected to intensify as the project moves forward.
As Texas continues to invest heavily in border security, the state’s offer of land for deportation centers represents a significant step in its approach to immigration enforcement. The coming months will likely see further developments as the federal government considers this proposal and its implications for national immigration policy.
Sources:
Texas offers Trump land on US-Mexico border for potential mass deportations
Texas offers Trump administration more land and support for mass deportations
