As of October 29, 2025, Texas is no longer just a “border state”—it has become the main testing ground for Trump’s “plan to protect the American people against invasion.” Operation Lone Star, launched by Gov. Greg Abbott in March 2021 as a response to the migration crisis during the Biden administration, expanded sharply in 2025. Now, there are not only barriers and patrols on the Rio Grande, but also arrests inside the state—in Austin, Dallas, Houston, hundreds of miles from the border.
According to official data from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), from January to September 2025, more than 3,100 arrests of undocumented immigrants were made across Texas under the operations. More than 6,500 people arrested had felony warrants for crimes such as murders, sex crimes and human smuggling.
Arrests this year have grown by 35% compared to 2024. The National Guard and DPS strike teams work together with ICE, which is embedded in operations based on an MOU with CBP. Arrests are not under the stiff state law SB 4, which was blocked by the 5th Circuit in July 2025. The apprehensions are made under state charges—trespassing, state warrants. And then the suspects are transferred to ICE and deportation.
The effect on the border is impressive: for 2025, only 238,000 apprehensions were recorded along the entire southern border—the lowest since 1970, a drop of 84% from 2024. In Eagle Pass, migrant shelters are empty, and locals say “it’s all over.”
But inside the state, there have been serious impacts. Immigrants have stopped going to church, markets and doctors for fear of being grabbed. Sales in Hispanic areas have fallen by 12%, according to the Texas Tribune. About 1.6 million undocumented migrants make up 8% of Texas’ workforce and bring 4.9 billion dollars in taxes to the state budget each year. Remittances to Mexico fell by 15%. Businesses in agriculture and construction complain about labor shortages.
Economic losses are noticeable. If raids and labor outflow continue at the current level, job growth in Texas will slow to 1.2% in 2026, according to the Dallas Fed (October 2025). This is the lowest since the pandemic. The average rate was 2.5% from 2015 to 2023. Construction and agriculture lose 40% of job applications due to absenteeism. Without work permits or TPS, the state risks recession in sectors where immigrants are irreplaceable labor.
A UH-TSU poll conducted in October 2025 showed: 54% of Texans support local police involvement in immigration control, but 47% expect the economy to weaken due to raids.
SB 4, which allows police to arrest for illegal entry and turn a federal violation into a state felony, remains blocked. However, arrests continue under other charges. Federal lawsuits against Texas were dropped in March 2025—the DOJ under Trump stopped prosecution.
Texas has proven: state-level enforcement works. The border is under control, crime is falling. But the price is increased fear, labor outflow and falling sales. Without work permits, TPS, or federal coordination, the state risks losing growth: economists predict a 0.75% GDP drop with an exodus of workers. Operation Lone Star 2.0 is a success in security but a challenge for Texas’ future.
Artem Kolisnichenko is a journalist and analyst specializing in immigration policy and judicial decisions, covering the American South and Southwest.