Hey, you know how things heat up at the border sometimes? Well, it just did again. Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety, that’s DPS, to really step up its game along our southern border. His message is clear: we need to keep any violence from spilling over into Texas, especially after some big news from south of the border. The reason for this ramp-up? The Mexican military just killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, better known as “El Mencho.” This guy was a seriously powerful leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, and the U.S. even had him on its most wanted list. When a big boss like that goes down, things can get pretty chaotic, and that's exactly what happened in parts of Mexico. You saw reports of roadblocks and arson attacks. So, what does this mean for Texans? Abbott wants DPS to boost operations with its Highway Patrol, Texas Rangers, Criminal Investigations Division, Special Operations Group, and even its Tactical Marine Unit and Aircraft Operations Division. Their job is to fight criminal acts and make sure those "transnational threats" don't cross into our state. DPS is also working with the feds to keep an eye on the situation in Mexico. From a legal standpoint, this move is interesting. You’ve got Texas using its state law enforcement to address what’s often seen as a federal issue: border security and international crime. While states certainly have the right to protect their citizens, deploying resources like this for international events can raise questions about jurisdiction and who’s ultimately responsible for what at the border. It also pushes the limits of state power in foreign affairs, even if it's framed as purely a public safety measure within Texas. We're talking about state funds and personnel being directed towards issues with deep international roots. The situation was tense enough that the U.S. embassy put out a security alert, telling Americans in certain Mexican states to shelter in place. Governor Abbott echoed that, urging Texans traveling there to stay sharp and contact the U.S. embassy if needed. Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has tried to calm things down, saying roadblocks are cleared and flights should be back to normal soon. But for us here in Texas, it’s a reminder that events just across the border can have immediate impacts on our state’s public policy and legal approach. The question isn’t just about if we need security, but how it's delivered and whether it aligns with the distinct roles of state and federal government in managing border issues. It's a complex dance between protecting residents and navigating broader international relations.