Billion-dollar investment to secure border under Biden a success, say Texas leaders

AUSTIN, Texas — A year into the state’s billion-dollar operation to secure its border with Mexico, leaders say the most significant indicator of success has not been the drugs seized or illegal immigrants apprehended but the lack of caravans showing up at their doorstep.

In sit-down conversations, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott and Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw said the proof that Operation Lone Star has borne positive results might not be apparent to the public. Still, they maintained that it has effectively deterred large groups from crossing into places such as Arizona.