Overview:
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued Executive Order GA-54, directing state agencies to assist federal immigration enforcement in investigating, apprehending, detaining, and removing undocumented immigrants in Texas. This order has raised concerns about the potential misuse of state resources and the impact it will have on vulnerable Texans. The Texas House Democratic Caucus has responded with a letter to state agency leaders, demanding transparency and accountability, and calling for clarification on the financial obligations and how this shift in priorities will affect the services provided to Texans.
Governor Greg Abbott issued Executive Order GA-54, directing state agencies to assist federal immigration enforcement in investigating, apprehending, detaining, and removing undocumented immigrants in Texas. This order represents a dangerous overreach that diverts critical state resources away from serving our communities and puts vulnerable Texans at risk.
In response, I joined my colleagues in the Texas House Democratic Caucus to send a letter to state agency leaders demanding transparency and accountability. We are deeply concerned about the potential misuse of state resources and the impact this order will have on our communities
Our formal request, signed by over 30 members of the Texas Legislature, asks these agencies to clarify whether they have existing agreements with federal authorities, what their financial obligations will be under GA-54, and how this shift in priorities will affect the services they provide to Texans.
This executive order raises more questions than answers, and we must ensure that our state government does not sideline its responsibility to its citizens in pursuit of political agendas. Public safety, access to healthcare, and economic opportunity should never take a backseat to unnecessary and overreaching mandates. If state agencies are forced to comply with GA-54, we need full transparency about how this will affect our communities.
State Representative Venton C. Jones Jr. serves Texas House District 100, encompassing parts of South Dallas, West Dallas, East Dallas, Buckner Terrace, Victory Park, and Oak Cliff. Born and raised in Dallas, he has dedicated his career to advancing equity and justice, with over two decades of experience leading organizations, influencing public policy, and organizing diverse communities.