MCALLEN, Texas — State troopers on boat patrol along the Rio Grande River that separates the United States from Mexico have stopped tens of thousands of noncitizens from illegally crossing as part of the governor’s operation to secure the border, the Washington Examiner has learned.

Since Gov. Greg Abbott’s implementation of Operation Lone Star on March 4, Texas Department of Public Safety officers from the Highway Patrol’s tactical marine units have intercepted 35,385 people and turned them over to the Border Patrol, according to Lt. Christopher Olivarez, who said the figures were as of May 27.