Texas Deploys 500 National Guard Soldiers to El Paso: What It Means for Immigrant Communities

Texas has once again taken center stage in the national immigration debate. On September 15, 2025, the state announced the deployment of 500 National Guard soldiers to El Paso under Governor Abbott’s Operation Lone Star (referred to locally as Operación Estrella Solitaria) (El País). This move represents one of the largest recent escalations in state-level immigration enforcement.

As an immigration attorney based in Houston, I see firsthand how such measures ripple far beyond the border. They affect not just migrants seeking entry but also long-time immigrant families living throughout Texas. Let’s break down what this deployment means, what legal implications it carries, and how immigrant communities can protect themselves.

Deployment of National Guard to Texas

Why Deployment of National Guard Matters

The new contingent of National Guard soldiers is being positioned to support Texas law enforcement in immigration control. Reports indicate that some soldiers are being sworn in under Title 8 authority, giving them powers usually reserved for federal officials when it comes to apprehending individuals suspected of unlawful entry.

This blurring of lines between state and federal authority is at the heart of the legal controversy. Immigration law is traditionally a federal matter, and courts have consistently pushed back when states attempt to create their own immigration regimes. Yet, the deployment in El Paso suggests a continued push by Texas to expand its role in border enforcement.

Legal and Human Concerns

1. Risk of Overreach and Profiling

With soldiers patrolling border areas, immigrant communities fear heightened profiling. These deployments can create an environment where appearance or language becomes the basis for suspicion, even among U.S. citizens or legal residents.

2. State vs. Federal Jurisdiction

Cases like the ongoing legal battle over Texas SB 4 already highlight the constitutional question of whether states can enforce immigration law. By granting National Guard soldiers authority normally reserved for federal officers, Texas may once again be testing the boundaries of the Supremacy Clause.

3. Impact on Families and Asylum Seekers

For families fleeing violence or persecution, additional militarization can feel like a wall before even reaching federal asylum channels. The deployment does not distinguish between people seeking protection under international law and those attempting unauthorized entry.

Broader Impact on Immigrant Communities Across Texas

Although this deployment is focused on El Paso, the ripple effect will be felt across the state. Clients in Houston often ask: “Will I be stopped or questioned just for driving near a checkpoint?” or “Does this mean the state can deport me now?”

The short answer is no—deportation remains a federal process handled by ICE and immigration courts. However, the increase in state involvement raises fears and uncertainty. That uncertainty alone can discourage people from reporting crimes, attending court hearings, or even seeking medical help.

Practical Steps for Immigrants and Families

In light of these developments, here are a few practical steps for those concerned about the new deployment:

• Know Your Rights: You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status to law enforcement without a warrant or attorney present.

• Carry Proper Identification: While you should never carry false documents, having valid state or federal ID can reduce unnecessary encounters.

• Seek Legal Advice: If you or a family member are concerned about how Operation Lone Star impacts you, consult with a qualified immigration attorney.

• Stay Informed: Follow updates from credible news outlets and advocacy organizations like the Texas Civil Rights Project or the ACLU of Texas.

Final Thoughts

The deployment of 500 National Guard soldiers to El Paso underscores Texas’s determination to take immigration enforcement into its own hands. While the legal battles will likely continue, immigrant communities already feel the weight of increased militarization and uncertainty.

As an immigration attorney here in Houston, my mission is to remind families that they still have rights, protections, and pathways under federal law. The state’s actions may create fear, but they do not eliminate the protections enshrined in our Constitution or international agreements.

For families navigating these challenging times, the best defense is knowledge, preparation, and trusted legal guidance.