Texas-Mexican border. He sent a letter to Texas National Guard Major General Tracy R. Norris today saying DPS needs all the help it can get capturing suspects. Abbott believes it's important to protect the rule of law and help civil authorities guard or transport prisoners. He issued a disaster declaration in May saying a surge in illegal border crossings were causing property damage and posed a threat to Texas. Del Rio in mid-June, the Governor announced that individuals who commit criminal trespass or other state offenses will be subject to arrest and confinement. This order builds upon the Governor's disaster declaration that directs DPS to enforce all federal and state criminal laws including for criminal trespassing, smuggling, and human trafficking.