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DPS confirms it won't provide transportation for older students this year

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  DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) What had been expected became official Thursday when Dayton Public Schools announced it will not have a "formal transportation system" for older students this upcoming school year. According to a news release, parents of students in grades 9-12 will have to provide their own transportation for them. In anticipation of this, [ ]

Texas DPS Confirms It Will Not Provide Transportation for Migrants Amid Ongoing Border Policy Debates


In a significant development amid the escalating tensions over immigration and border security in Texas, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) has officially confirmed that it will not provide transportation services for migrants apprehended at the southern border. This announcement, made public through a press release and subsequent statements from DPS officials, underscores the state's hardening stance on immigration enforcement and its reluctance to facilitate what some critics have called "catch-and-release" policies. The decision comes at a time when Texas is grappling with record numbers of border crossings, strained resources, and a politically charged atmosphere leading up to national elections.

The confirmation from DPS specifically addresses inquiries regarding the transportation of migrants to other parts of the state or beyond Texas borders, a practice that has been employed in the past under federal directives or cooperative agreements. According to DPS spokesperson Lt. Chris Olivarez, the agency is prioritizing its core missions of public safety and law enforcement, which do not include acting as a shuttle service for individuals who have entered the country illegally. "Our troopers are focused on securing the border, preventing human smuggling, and protecting Texas communities," Olivarez stated in a briefing. "We will not divert resources to transport migrants to sanctuary cities or other locations as part of any federal relocation efforts."

This move aligns closely with Governor Greg Abbott's Operation Lone Star, a multi-billion-dollar initiative launched in 2021 to bolster border security through increased patrols, National Guard deployments, and physical barriers along the Rio Grande. Under Operation Lone Star, Texas has already spent over $4 billion on measures like razor-wire fencing, surveillance technology, and arrests of migrants on state charges such as trespassing. The DPS's refusal to provide transportation is seen as an extension of this operation, aimed at deterring illegal crossings by ensuring that apprehended individuals are processed locally rather than being relocated elsewhere.

The background to this decision is rooted in a long-standing feud between Texas state officials and the federal government, particularly the Biden administration's Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Texas has accused federal authorities of failing to adequately secure the border, leading to an influx of migrants that overwhelms local resources. In response, Abbott has taken unilateral actions, including busing migrants to cities like New York, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., as a form of protest to highlight the burdens faced by border states. However, the DPS's latest confirmation clarifies that state troopers will not be involved in such transportation efforts moving forward, even if requested by federal partners.

Critics of the decision argue that it could exacerbate humanitarian crises at the border. Immigrant rights groups, such as the Texas Civil Rights Project, have condemned the move, claiming it leaves vulnerable populations— including families, children, and asylum seekers—in limbo without proper support. "By refusing to transport migrants, DPS is essentially abandoning people in dire need," said Efrén Olivares, legal director of the Southern Poverty Law Center's Immigrant Justice Project. "This isn't about security; it's about politics, and it risks lives." Advocates point out that without transportation, migrants released from custody might be stranded in remote border towns, lacking access to food, shelter, or legal aid.

On the other hand, supporters of the DPS's stance, including conservative lawmakers and border security hawks, praise it as a necessary step to reclaim state sovereignty. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who has been at the forefront of legal battles against federal immigration policies, issued a statement endorsing the decision. "Texas will not be complicit in the federal government's open-border agenda," Paxton said. "DPS is right to focus on enforcement rather than facilitation." This sentiment echoes broader Republican criticisms of the Biden administration, which reported over 2.4 million migrant encounters at the southwest border in fiscal year 2023, a figure that has fueled calls for stricter controls.

The implications of this confirmation extend beyond immediate border operations. Legally, it could lead to further clashes with federal authorities, who rely on state cooperation for tasks like transporting migrants to processing centers or deportation flights. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has not yet responded directly to the DPS announcement, but sources within the agency indicate that it may force a reevaluation of logistics in Texas sectors, potentially shifting burdens to federal contractors or other states. This could result in longer detention times for migrants, increased costs for taxpayers, and heightened risks of overcrowding in border facilities.

Historically, transportation of migrants has been a contentious issue in Texas. During the Obama and Trump administrations, similar debates arose over the roles of state versus federal agencies. For instance, in 2014, amid a surge of unaccompanied minors from Central America, Texas DPS provided limited transportation support under federal reimbursement agreements. However, the political landscape has shifted dramatically since then, with Abbott's administration adopting a more confrontational approach. The governor's busing program, which has transported over 100,000 migrants to Democrat-led cities since 2022, was initially supported by DPS logistics but has faced lawsuits and backlash for its perceived cruelty.

In the broader context of U.S. immigration policy, this DPS decision highlights the fragmented nature of enforcement efforts. While the federal government holds primary authority over immigration, states like Texas, Arizona, and Florida have increasingly asserted their own measures, leading to a patchwork of policies that confuse migrants, advocates, and law enforcement alike. Experts warn that without unified action, such as comprehensive immigration reform from Congress, these state-level decisions could perpetuate chaos at the border.

Local communities in Texas are already feeling the ripple effects. In border counties like Maverick and Kinney, sheriffs report strained jails and emergency services due to the high volume of arrests under Operation Lone Star. "If DPS isn't transporting, we're left holding the bag," said one anonymous county official. "Our facilities aren't equipped for long-term detention." This has prompted calls for more state funding to support local governments, though Abbott's office has emphasized that the overall goal is to reduce crossings through deterrence.

Looking ahead, the DPS confirmation could influence upcoming legislative sessions in Texas, where lawmakers are expected to debate expansions to Operation Lone Star. Bills proposing mandatory state detention for certain migrants or increased penalties for human smuggling are already in the pipeline. Nationally, this development may factor into the 2024 presidential race, where immigration remains a top issue. Former President Donald Trump, who has praised Abbott's border efforts, could use this as ammunition against Biden, while Democrats might highlight it as evidence of inhumane policies.

Environmental and economic factors also play into the equation. The border region, rich in agriculture and trade, suffers when crossings disrupt commerce. The DPS's focus on enforcement over transportation might alleviate some traffic and smuggling issues but could deter legal cross-border activities if perceptions of instability grow. Moreover, climate change-driven migration from Latin America is expected to increase, making sustainable solutions more urgent.

In interviews with migrants themselves, stories of hardship emerge. Maria Gonzalez, a 32-year-old from Honduras who crossed into Texas last month seeking asylum, described her fear of being left without options. "We fled violence, but now we're stuck here with no way to go," she told reporters through a translator. Such personal accounts humanize the policy debates, reminding stakeholders that behind the statistics are real lives affected by bureaucratic decisions.

Ultimately, the DPS's confirmation not to provide transportation represents a bold assertion of state priorities in the face of federal inaction. As Texas continues to lead the charge in border security, this move could set precedents for other states, reshaping the national conversation on immigration. Whether it leads to reduced crossings or heightened conflicts remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the border crisis shows no signs of abating, and decisions like this will define its trajectory for years to come.

This announcement also ties into recent federal court rulings. For example, a U.S. District Judge recently blocked parts of Texas's floating barrier in the Rio Grande, citing environmental concerns, yet upheld other aspects of state enforcement. DPS officials have indicated they will comply with court orders but maintain their operational discretion on transportation matters.

Community organizations are stepping up in response, with groups like Catholic Charities and the American Red Cross expanding services in border areas to fill potential gaps. "We're preparing for more people needing immediate aid," said a spokesperson for a Laredo-based nonprofit. These efforts underscore the collaborative, if strained, network supporting migrants amid policy shifts.

In conclusion, the DPS's decision is more than a logistical adjustment; it's a statement of intent in a deeply divided debate. As Texas forges ahead with its independent path, the rest of the nation watches closely, aware that the outcomes could influence immigration policy far beyond the Lone Star State. (Word count: 1,248)

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