Defending Texans Against Foreign Threats

This week’s column covers a lot of ground, but it all comes down to one thing: protecting Texans from foreign threats. From our southern border to the health of our livestock and farms, there are real threats to our safety, livelihoods, and communities—and I’m working every day to meet them head-on.

Border security is a top priority for me. That’s why I made sure local law enforcement has the resources necessary to tackle illegal immigration in our own communities. During the regular session, I helped pass SB 8, which allows sheriffs and local officers to partner directly with federal authorities through programs like 287(g). This program trains local law enforcement to identify and detain individuals who are in the country illegally, giving officers the tools and authority to enforce immigration law. It’s practical, on-the-ground action to protect Texans.

Since taking office in 2023, I have supported over $10 billion to secure our border, including $1.5 billion for the wall. Now, with President Trump back in office, we have a federal partner helping us get the job done, making it possible to coordinate more efficiently, remove dangerous individuals, and keep our communities safe.

But there are more threats along our southern border than illegal immigration. This September, the New World Screwworm—a parasitic fly that attacks open wounds on livestock—was detected in the northern Mexican state of Nuevo León. Even a single outbreak could devastate ranching communities across rural Texas, threatening livelihoods and our state’s agricultural

economy.

For months, the USDA, the Texas Department of Agriculture, agriculture experts, and lawmakers have been tackling this threat head-on. The USDA has deployed thousands of traps, implemented import restrictions, and is releasing sterile flies to wipe out NWS populations. At the same time, the Texas Department of Agriculture has deployed Swormlure fly traps with insecticides, is developing a new cattle vaccine, and is working closely with ranchers and

wildlife experts to monitor early signs of infestation.

During the special session, I joined the House Agriculture Committee for a hearing to make sure Texas has the tools, funding, and coordination necessary to respond quickly. We are working with our federal partners to eliminate this threat, just as we did successfully in the 1970s. I will continue to keep Texans updated as more information becomes available.

Lastly, I want to touch on the work we did this year to protect Texans from foreign adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party. This spring, I authored and passed HB 128, stopping local governments from entering agreements with foreign entities that could compromise our sovereignty. Can you believe cities like San Antonio and Laredo had agreements with China?

Not anymore under this law. I also co-sponsored SB 17 to block foreign adversaries from acquiring Texas farmland and other critical resources. Agriculture isn’t just a way of life—it’s national security. These laws defend our families and our economy.

Texas never backs down from a fight. There are a lot of threats that face us, but we will overcome them together. By combining strong law enforcement, smart legislation, and proactive agriculture protections, we are keeping Texans safe.

Thanks for reading this week’s column! Make sure you stay connected and informed by calling our Capitol office at (512) 463-0600 or by following my social media page at www.facebook.com/AngeliaOrrForTX.

– Conservative State Representative Angelia Orr