Political speech, timestamped and in context

Greg Abbott: “I signed a law making it a state crime now for somebody to enter the state illegally, crossing the border…”

Featuring: Greg Abbott, Republican | Governor of Texas

LIVE: Gov. Abbott talks about border security reimbursement

Published October 2, 2026

Know this. The tools we have now are more prolific than we've ever had before. In the last session, I signed a law making it a state crime now for somebody to enter the state illegally, crossing the border illegally. authorizing law enforcement officers across the entire state of Texas to arrest those people who've crossed the border illegally. (35:49–35:58)

STATEMENT

Asserts that a law was signed making illegal border crossing a state crime in Texas.

This is an excerpt from a raw transcript. The assertions have not been audited or verified. Tap the video to view the source footage and understand the context.

See the main statements from Greg Abbott in this video

“Joe Biden's open border policies [are] allowing in thousands of illegal immigrants a day, unvetted.”
Claims Biden's policies result in thousands of unvetted illegal immigrants entering daily.22:26-22:34
“Together with Operation Lone Star, we were able to achieve an 85% reduction in illegal immigration into the state of Texas.”
Asserts an 85% reduction in illegal immigration due to Operation Lone Star.23:38-23:50
“We led to a decrease [in] fentanyl deaths by more than 40%.”
Claims a reduction in fentanyl deaths by over 40%.23:54-24:01
“A check from the United States Department of Homeland Security to the people of the State of Texas for $7.5 billion, reimbursing us for the cost we incurred to secure our border.”
Claims Texas received $7.5 billion from DHS for border security costs.24:39-24:53
“There was Department of Homeland Security had $10 billion to allocate to all states for any type of reimbursement for their expenses. We got 75% of that.”
Asserts that Texas received 75% of the $10 billion allocated by DHS for state reimbursements.37:30-37:41
“We've seen flooding in regions across the state, and we have actually seen minimal property damage.”
Asserts that recent flooding in Texas has resulted in minimal property damage.15:52-16:02
“There's not been enough [property damage] for me to officially issue a disaster declaration.”
Asserts that the property damage from recent flooding is insufficient to warrant a disaster declaration.16:04-16:09
“As of right now, we still do not have any civilian who has lost their life because of this rainstorm.”
Asserts that no civilian fatalities have occurred due to the recent rainstorm in Texas.16:54-17:04
“There is one report out of Wharton county about the loss of a life of a first responder.”
Asserts that a first responder's death in Wharton County may be linked to the weather event.17:26-17:35
“The strength of Texas is rooted in the rule of law as well as the dedicated men and women who go to work to uphold that rule of law.”
Asserts that Texas's strength is based on the rule of law and law enforcement personnel.18:05-18:17
“Texas will always stand with the men and women of law enforcement who honor their oath, defend their communities, protect our freedoms, and faithfully serve our fellow Texans.”
Asserts Texas's commitment to supporting law enforcement officers.20:04-20:19
“I am issuing and about to sign this proclamation that articulates everything that I just covered and a whole lot more.”
Asserts that a proclamation is being issued to express gratitude and support for law enforcement.20:41-20:51
“October is Texas Law Enforcement Appreciation Month.”
Declares October as a month to appreciate Texas law enforcement.21:26-21:31
“Congress then took the lead, especially the Republican members of the United States Congress from the state of Texas.”
States that Texas Republican Congress members led efforts for reimbursement.24:17-24:24
“There's another $3 billion that was allocated to the United States Department of Justice.”
States $3 billion was allocated to the DOJ, for which Texas will apply.25:20-25:27
“Sheriffs in every region of the state of Texas had to respond to [the border crisis].”
Asserts that sheriffs across Texas are involved in responding to the border crisis.28:50-28:54
“They were dealing with the consequences of human trafficking with the consequences of fentanyl.”
Asserts that Texas sheriffs are dealing with human trafficking and fentanyl issues.28:58-29:05
“Having to be involved in dealing with the illegal immigrants who were in their locations.”
Asserts that Texas sheriffs are involved in dealing with illegal immigrants.29:09-29:16
“Fighting crime is a challenge across the entire state.”
Asserts that crime is a statewide challenge in Texas.31:17-31:22
“The Operation Lone Star continues to be in effect.”
Asserts that Operation Lone Star is ongoing.34:52-34:57
“We continue now to work with the Trump administration that's doing more than any administration ever to secure the border.”
Asserts that the Trump administration is doing more than any previous administration to secure the border.34:59-35:06
“We have submitted an application for that already and we will sit down in negotiations with them.”
Asserts that Texas has submitted an application for federal funds and will negotiate further.37:20-37:27
“My goal from the $3 billion that DOJ has is to get 75% of that also.”
Asserts the goal to obtain 75% of $3 billion from the Department of Justice.37:41-37:48
“There has been an increase in either crossings or attempts to cross or activity by cartels along the border.”
Asserts an increase in border crossings or cartel activity along the Texas border.38:07-38:15