Texas, through a letter sent by Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham on November 14, has offered a piece of land in rural Starr County, Rio Grande Valley, along the U.S.-Mexico border to facilitate potential mass deportations under President-elect Donald Trump.
Buckingham confirmed that discussions are ongoing regarding the proposal, emphasizing Texas’ eagerness to be a supportive partner. The property, recently acquired by Texas, is described as having no paved roads and limited resources, yet is strategically located by major airports and a bridge over the river. Buckingham stated that the land is flat and well-positioned, making it potentially useful for federal immigration operations.
The offer from Texas highlights the divide between state and local governments in their response to Trump’s immigration policies. Recently, the Los Angeles City Council declared its jurisdiction a “sanctuary,” limiting cooperation with federal authorities on deportations. Texas, known for its strong stance on border control, has implemented several measures to curb illegal crossings, such as razor-wire barriers and laws empowering law enforcement to arrest migrants crossing illegally.
Buckingham previously voiced her support for Trump’s plans, describing the offer of the 1,400-acre property as a unity effort with the Trump administration to protect American families. Trump’s campaign frequently focused on illegal immigration, promising to address issues linked to unauthorized border crossings.
While the transition team of the president-elect has not confirmed acceptance of Texas’ offer, spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt reiterated Trump’s commitment to securing the border and launching a significant deportation operation upon taking office. According to estimates, around 11 million people are living in the U.S. illegally, posing questions about identifying and detaining individuals under the new administration’s plans.
The Texas General Land Office kept the purchase price undisclosed, but Buckingham noted the former owner’s resistance to a border wall, a stance that contrasts with Texas’ initiatives. Under Republican Governor Greg Abbott, a 1.5-mile stretch of border wall was constructed on that land in 2021, and the recent purchase has allowed for further expansion of the wall. The state’s offer to use the land for processing, detention, and coordination of deportations underscores its broader strategy to support federal immigration policies.
