Tragic Loss: Texas Guard Hero Drowns Saving Migrants!

In a stark reminder of the human cost of defending our nation, at least 17 Texas National Guard members have tragically lost their lives while serving along the U.S. southern border under Governor Greg Abbott’s Operation Lone Star. This operation, initiated in response to the overwhelming surge of illegal immigration and drug trafficking, has seen brave men and women put their lives on the line to protect American sovereignty.

During a recent Texas House Committee on Defense and Veterans’ Affairs meeting on August 20, Shelia Bailey Taylor, the Texas Military Department’s director of state administration, revealed the grim death toll. These fallen heroes include Spc. Bishop E. Evans, who drowned in the Rio Grande in April 2022 while heroically attempting to save two migrants trying to enter the country illegally. His death, along with those of others, underscores the dire situation at the border and the immense pressure on those tasked with securing it.

Governor Abbott’s Operation Lone Star has been a significant state effort to curb the influx of illegal immigration, stepping up where federal efforts have been perceived as inadequate. The mission began in March 2021 and has seen Texas Guardsmen working alongside state law enforcement in a bid to restore order and security at the border. However, the operation has not been without its costs, both in terms of lives and the emotional toll on families of the fallen.

Jessica Lever, mother of DaJuan Townes, who was killed in February 2022 during an accidental shooting at Fort Clark Springs, expressed her heartache and frustration. “If laws had been passed to secure the border by [Vice President Kamala] Harris and [President Joe] Biden, then my son would still be here,” she stated, highlighting the perceived failure of the current administration to take decisive action on the border crisis.

Despite the challenging and often dangerous conditions, Texas Guardsmen have continued their mission with unwavering dedication. Yet, the loss of life has brought to the forefront serious concerns about the federal government’s handling of border security. Critics have pointed fingers at the Biden administration, specifically Vice President Kamala Harris, who was appointed as the ‘border czar’ to address the root causes of illegal immigration. Since her appointment, critics argue, the situation has only deteriorated, leading to record numbers of illegal border crossings and, tragically, the deaths of those tasked with securing the nation.

Representative Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) did not mince words, stating, “The tragic deaths of the 17 National Guard members at the border are a direct result of this current administration’s failed policies. The weak policies and poor management from our ineffective border czar, Kamala Harris, and the White House put our soldiers in dangerous conditions, and these deaths are a clear sign of their failures.”

This loss of life is compounded by the ongoing wave of illegal immigration. Federal data indicates that approximately 8 million migrants have entered the United States illegally since June 2021. This surge has overwhelmed border facilities, law enforcement, and the National Guard, who are doing their best to manage an unmanageable situation. The administration’s failure to implement stronger border security measures has left the border in chaos, endangering both the lives of the Guardsmen and the safety of the American people.

Operation Lone Star, while a commendable state-level response, highlights the inadequacies of federal immigration policy under the current administration. The dedication and sacrifice of the Texas National Guard should serve as a wake-up call for Washington to take the border crisis seriously. The tragic loss of these 17 heroes must not be in vain. Their sacrifices should compel those in power to act decisively and protect both the people who guard our borders and the citizens they serve.

As the nation mourns the loss of these brave soldiers, it is crucial to remember that their deaths are a stark reminder of the consequences of inaction. The border crisis continues to escalate, and until comprehensive and effective measures are put in place, the risk to those who serve and protect will only increase.