East RGV News

In response to mounting cartel activity and the ongoing immigration challenges at the U.S.-Mexico border during the Biden administration, Iowa has joined hands with Texas to reinforce border security efforts, the Des Moines Register reported. This move underscores growing concerns about the security and immigration issues along the southern border.

On Aug. 31, the Iowa Department of Public Safety deployed 31 Iowa State Patrol officers to Texas, and they are scheduled to return to Iowa on Oct. 2. Sen. Dan Dawson, a prominent figure in Iowa's legislature and a special agent with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, will join the month-long deployment to aid Texas' "Operation Lone Star" in addressing border security challenges. The Iowa state troopers will provide support to Texas State Troopers, encompassing criminal interdiction, crime prevention, traffic enforcement and general law enforcement assistance, while Iowa also sends an investigative team to collaborate on Texas' efforts to combat narcotics, weapons and human trafficking.

This marks the second instance of Gov. Kim Reynolds sending Iowa personnel to the border. In 2021, approximately 28 Iowa State Patrol troopers were deployed for a 14-day mission in the Del Rio area of southwest Texas. During their deployment, they worked alongside Texas law enforcement on patrols, contributed to humanitarian efforts, played a role in disrupting criminal networks and conducted investigations related to human smuggling. The mission incurred an estimated cost of $300,000, which was covered by the state of Iowa.

During the Aug. 21 news conference, Reynolds pointed out a surge in fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine seizures within Iowa, attributing the majority of these drug incidents to Mexican cartels.