arrested more than 33,000 migrants in the del rio sector, up from the previous month, according to the latest available data. local sheriff joe frank martinez says the mere presence of authorities is keeping residents of his town safe. >> if their duty is to sit at a post and make sure that nobody comes across and if somebody comes across, call border patrol, then so be it. i think it's needed. >> reporter: but there are serious concerns over the execution of the operation. abbott's office has defended the state's action and in a lengthy statement, the texas military department said they're working on improving equipment and living conditions. back in del rio, sheriff martinez sees the operation right now as their best option. >> reporter: what do you sees athas the end goal? >> if policy doesn't change, it doesn't end, it continues. we'll be like this two or three years down the road.