Senator Roland Gutierrez joins Eagle Pass, Brackettville and Del Rio Residents to demand DOJ halt Abbott’s inhumane border policies

AUSTIN, TX – After Texas border communities and migrants have endured years of suffering under Operation Lone Star, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has finally filed a lawsuit to force the state to remove buoys from the Rio Grande, which represents just one small, but potentially lethal, aspect of Gov. Abbott’s border operation. Border residents are gathering in front of the U.S. District Court to share how lives have been impacted not just by the buoys, but by every aspect of Operation Lone Star – from criminalizing Black and brown communities to high-speed vehicle chases. Advocates will walk into the courthouse to witness this important hearing.

Since March 2021, many have warned of the dangers and human rights violations associated with Operation Lone Star (OLS). Now that this operation has turned deadly, advocates are demanding that the DOJ do more than a narrow lawsuit— DOJ must investigate DPS state troopers’ illegal arrests and family separation practices under OLS, and the DOJ should bring additional lawsuits based on the Title IV violations occurring under OLS.

When: Tuesday, Aug. 22nd, 2023 at 8:00 AM CDT 

Where: 501 W 5th St Austin, TX 78701 

Who:  Senator Roland Gutierrez

           Sergio Treviño, San Juan resident 

           Robie Flores, Eagle Pass resident 

           Anita Anaya, Brackettville resident