Thread by @themonicamadden

At the Austin airport for a border security update from @GovAbbott and state military/law enforcement leaders this morning ahead of Title 42 expiration later this week.

Governor Abbott has arrived.

Off the top, Abbott says Biden admin estimates 13K people will come across the border illegally on daily basis once Title 42 expires — “it did not have to be this way…President Biden is laying down a welcome mat to people all across the world saying the U.S. border is wide open”

Abbott now touting efforts of Operation Lone Star, saying Texas is doing more “than any other state” to secure the border.

Governor Abbott announces the state is creating the “Texas Tactical Border Force” which will consist of specially trained national guard members deployed to “hot spots” to intercept, repel and turn back migrants who try to enter the U.S. illegally.

Abbott says this unit will be deployed starting today. He’s also calling on #txlege to pass bills that will give Texas more border authority. Speaking of which, HB 20 is scheduled for debate tomorrow.

Abbott says the 1500 troops the Biden admin announced it is sending to border are here to do “paperwork” and “not to secure the border”

On #Allen shooting, Governor Abbott offers condolences to the community, does not respond directly to question about exhaustion around gun violence amongst Texans. Said he expects in coming days more info from investigators. about how exactly this happened.

Reporters could not ask follow-ups for more questions/details FWIW, the governor took 4 questions.