The United States and Mexico share a 1,254-mile border with thousands of immigrants looking to make their way into America each day. Their reasons differ and methods vary but one particular region near the city of Eagle Pass remains a popular crossing point. To maintain order and reduce illegal immigration, Operation Lone Star was started in March 2021 by Governor Greg Abbott. He is now proposing an 80-acre National Guard base in Eagle Pass, TX, for those continuing to serve. Suggested read: The Alabama Air National Guard Is the Home Base for F-35s

Where Is Eagle Pass, Texas?

Bordering the city of Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico, Eagle Pass is two and a half to three hours southwest of San Antonio. It is home to the Eagle Pass International Bridge I and Camino Real International Bridge (Eagle Pass International Bridge II). There are more than 28,000 residents in the city of Maverick County, yet thousands more pass through each day. This is because the city is a popular crossing area for immigrants coming from Central and South America. This has caused an increased presence of the Texas National Guard in Eagle Pass, Texas, over the years. With no clear endgame in sight, Texas Governor Greg Abbott is looking to build a National Guard base in the border city.

Gov. Abbott Wants an 80-Acre Base for National Guard Troops

The $10 billion mission Operation Lone Star continues, and hotels in Eagle Pass, TX are full of Guardsmen looking to find housing in the area. Some have even been forced to drive over an hour away to find lodging while serving. Abbott’s proposal will provide housing for at least 1,800 and as many as 2,300 service members. Everyone would have their own individual rooms and the total number of rooms is dependent upon future troop deployment for the effort. The base camp would help troops avoid sleeping in tents, hotels, and elsewhere while in the area. At this time, it’s unknown how the military installation would be paid for nor how much it would cost to accomplish. Related read: Could Brockton High School Use the National Guard to Restore Safety?

Proposed Eagle Pass Base May Not Fix Everything

Things appear to be moving quickly with the proposed base in Eagle Pass, Texas, as Major Gen. Thomas Suelzer noted the installation could hold 300 personnel by the middle of April 2024, with 300 more being added monthly until completed. Seeing as Texas has around 3,000 military personnel deployed to its border, the need is obvious. The ongoing mission continues and there are many service members in need of safe, reasonable housing. Private property for residents is a point of contention as the border situation has blurred lines involving trespassing, getting the job done, and jurisdiction. However, the problems many troops are facing in Eagle Pass go well beyond housing. This includes paycheck issues, shortages of equipment, a lack of medical supplies, and more. Even troops living in trailers often find them to be overcrowded due to the lack of alternative housing options in the area. The new base can help with many of these issues but doesn’t ultimately fix everything. People aren’t just coming to America for no reason. There are complex reasons involving poverty, violence, food insecurity, and family dynamics at play. There are 28 border crossings in the Lone Star State, more than any other. Yet, with the influx of immigrants, it’s easy to determine that there aren’t enough to handle the capacity. Furthermore, questions arise whether or not the legal process is accessible for those who, for now, turn to illegal methods. The U.S.-Mexico border has been and will continue to be a complex situation that deserves more attention and solutions for everyone. Troops may have a bedroom in Eagle Pass soon but an overarching solution remains to be seen for the region. Read next: Civil War Movie (2024) Blends Dystopian Action With Current Events