COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has answered Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s plea for assistance in addressing the escalating border crisis, which has been marked by surging immigration rates and strained local law enforcement. The governor has sanctioned a group of 14 Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) troopers and supervisors to be dispatched to Texas in the coming weeks.
The OSHP team will not be responsible for making arrests during their two-week deployment; rather, their mission is to bolster border surveillance efforts and support Texas law enforcement officers already on the ground. This is the second team of OSHP troopers to be sent to Texas in less than two years, following an initial dispatch in July 2021.
Ohio’s commitment to support Texas’ border control initiatives dates back to October 2020, when Governor DeWine deployed approximately 115 members of the Ohio National Guard to the Southwest border operations. This move came in response to requests from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Guard Bureau.
Since then, nearly 325 Ohio National Guard members have been sent to Texas, with 125 of these guard members remaining active on the border today. The state has scheduled a new rotation of 50 Ohio National Guard members to deploy to Texas in October 2023, maintaining Ohio’s continued presence and support at the border.
The ongoing border crisis has stirred national concern as immigration numbers continue to rise, straining local resources and law enforcement capacities. Both Texas and Ohio, along with other states, are grappling with these issues and the broader implications on domestic policy and national security. This cooperative effort reflects the recognition of the importance of interstate support in addressing this complex and challenging issue.
Governor DeWine’s action demonstrates Ohio’s commitment to its role as a collaborative partner in managing the immigration challenge, while providing practical assistance to its fellow states. The situation continues to unfold, requiring continued vigilance and coordinated efforts between states and the federal government.