FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Anna Núñez, Communications Coordinator, ACLU of Texas, 713-942-8146, ext. 103, [email protected]
HOUSTON – Texas state officials recently agreed to extend the Texas law enforcement surge along the southern border through August 2015. “Operation Strong Safety” was created in response to mothers and children, mainly asylum seekers, fleeing violence in Central America and crossing the Texas border. The agreement will cost taxpayers $86.1 million and is subject to approval by the Legislative Budget Board on Dec. 1.
The following statement can be attributed to Terri Burke, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Texas:
"So far, Texas has wasted more than $50 million taxpayer dollars on this unnecessary and wasteful program. Recent FBI statistics reflect the safety of U.S.-Mexico border cities. I urge the Legislative Budget Board to exercise prudence and veto this latest political maneuver by outgoing officials and – for the good of all Texans – refuse to divert $20.7 million in disaster and emergency technology funds. To do otherwise, certainly is not strong or safe, and Texans deserve better.”
