Texas Arrests Illegals Tied to Sex Crimes

Texas authorities have arrested multiple illegal immigrants with ties to s*xual offenses as part of Operation Lone Star, sparking debate over the cost and effectiveness of border security measures.

At a Glance

  • Texas Department of Public Safety arrested two criminal illegal immigrant fugitives in February 2025
  • Arrests include individuals wanted for s*xual assault of a child
  • Operation Lone Star has led to over half a million illegal immigrant apprehensions
  • The operation has cost Texas taxpayers over $11.1 billion
  • Governor Abbott criticizes federal government for not covering border security costs

Recent Arrests Under Operation Lone Star

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has made significant arrests in Hidalgo and El Paso counties as part of Operation Lone Star, a border security initiative. In February 2025, two criminal illegal immigrant fugitives were apprehended, highlighting the operation’s focus on individuals with serious criminal backgrounds.

Armando Alonso-Cortez, a 40-year-old Mexican national, was arrested in Sullivan City for a warrant related to s*xual assault of a child. Due to his flight risk status, Alonso-Cortez was transferred to the Alton Police Department. In a separate incident, Carlos Daniel Espinoza-Arguello, a 26-year-old Venezuelan, was arrested in Socorro during a traffic stop. Espinoza-Arguello, who had a removal order from U.S. Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), was also a person of interest in a DPS Criminal Investigations Division case involving s*xual assault of a child.

Operation Lone Star’s Impact and Controversies

Initiated by Texas Governor Greg Abbott in 2021, Operation Lone Star has yielded significant results in border security efforts. The operation has led to the apprehension of over half a million illegal immigrants and the seizure of substantial amounts of lethal fentanyl. Additionally, it has overseen the construction of more than 240 miles of border barriers and established a National Guard base along the Texas-Mexico border.

However, the operation’s success comes with a hefty price tag. Texas taxpayers have shouldered over $11.1 billion in costs, a figure that has become a point of contention between state and federal authorities.

Financial Burden and Federal Responsibility

Governor Abbott has been vocal about the financial strain Operation Lone Star has placed on Texas, arguing that border security should be a federal responsibility. The Governor has criticized the federal government for its inaction and failure to cover the costs associated with the operation.

“The burden that our State has borne is a direct result of a refusal by the federal government to do its job,” Abbott stated.

In response to the mounting costs, House Republicans have proposed bills for Texas to be reimbursed for its border security expenses. However, as of now, no legislation has been passed to address this issue, leaving Texas to continue bearing the financial burden of the operation.

Ongoing Challenges and Future Outlook

As Operation Lone Star continues, Texas faces the dual challenge of maintaining effective border security while managing the escalating costs. The arrest of criminal illegal immigrants, particularly those with ties to s*xual offenses, underscores the operation’s importance in public safety. However, the sustainability of such a costly initiative remains a pressing concern for state officials and taxpayers alike.

With no immediate solution in sight for federal reimbursement, Texas continues to grapple with the financial implications of its border security efforts. The ongoing debate surrounding Operation Lone Star highlights the complex interplay between state and federal responsibilities in addressing immigration and border security challenges.

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