Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham recently delivered a message via video for the Rio Grande Valley Partnership’s 2025 RGV Legislative Tour. She detailed the General Land Office’s (GLO) significant efforts to enhance border security, emphasizing real and measurable steps taken to protect the state’s southern border.
A Longstanding Commitment to Border Security
According to Commissioner Buckingham, the GLO’s involvement in border security dates back decades. It began with levees designed for flood mitigation, which also included border fencing. Over time, these efforts have expanded to include more robust measures aimed at tackling the challenges posed by illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and human smuggling.
One recent example of this commitment is the GLO’s response to a request from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The DPS sought to claim several islands in the Rio Grande that had become law enforcement-free zones and havens for cartel activity. Once the islands were claimed, the Texas Military Department and DPS swiftly removed criminal activity, cleared vegetation and structures, and installed razor wire along the river. This operation, known as Operation Flat Top, highlights the collaboration between state agencies to achieve operational control of the border.
Securing Borderlands in Starr County
During the legislative tour, Buckingham highlighted a specific ranch in Starr County that has a troubling history of border violence, including incidents of “rape trees,” drug trafficking, and human smuggling. The GLO recently acquired this 1,400-acre ranch, bringing their total secured borderlands in Starr County to over 4,000 acres.
Within just 24 hours of acquiring the ranch, the GLO granted the Texas Facilities Commission an easement to begin constructing a 1.5-mile stretch of border wall. “This prompt action demonstrates our unwavering commitment to stopping illegal immigration, drug smuggling, and human trafficking,” Buckingham said.
Collaborative Efforts for a Safer Texas
The GLO’s efforts are part of a broader strategy involving collaboration with the Texas DPS, the Texas Military Department, and other state agencies. Together, these organizations are working to ensure the safety and security of Texas communities.
Buckingham also introduced the Jocelyn Initiative, a program aimed at identifying land under the GLO’s jurisdiction that can be used to construct deportation facilities for violent criminal illegal immigrants. “As a mom, my heart goes out to the families affected by the border crisis,” she said. “This initiative is about reclaiming the safety and well-being of our communities.”
Addressing the Human Cost of Border Violence
Buckingham’s remarks underscored the human cost of border violence. She referenced the “horrors of illegal activity” that the Starr County ranch had witnessed, including the tragic use of “rape trees” as symbols of violence and exploitation. By securing this land, Buckingham emphasized that the GLO is taking steps to protect families and communities from further harm.
A Vision for the Future
Buckingham concluded her message with a strong commitment to continuing the GLO’s work to secure Texas’s borders and resources. “The General Land Office will work tirelessly to ensure our state is safe, our border is secure, and our resources benefit Texas,” she said. “Together, we are building a safer, stronger Texas for generations to come.”
Final Thoughts
The GLO’s efforts reflect a proactive approach to addressing the challenges at Texas’s southern border. By working closely with state agencies and local officials, the office is implementing measures that aim to curb illegal activity, protect vulnerable communities, and ensure the safety of all Texans. As these initiatives continue, the GLO’s work serves as a model for collaborative and results-driven border security strategies.
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