Texas’ Operation Lone Star: High-Speed Chases Leading to Rising Fatalities

In recent years, Texas has intensified its border security efforts through initiatives like Operation Lone Star. While aimed at curbing illegal immigration and related crimes, these operations have led to a significant increase in high-speed vehicle pursuits, resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries.

Operation Lone Star: An Overview

Launched in 2021 by Governor Greg Abbott, Operation Lone Star is a collaborative effort between the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Texas Military Department. The operation’s primary objectives include:

Enhancing border security

Combating human smuggling

Reducing drug trafficking

As of January 2024, the initiative has cost approximately $10 billion.

Rising Incidents of High-Speed Pursuits

A report by Human Rights Watch highlights a troubling increase in high-speed chases associated with Operation Lone Star:

Duration Analyzed: March 2021 to July 2023

Total Pursuits: 5,230 across Texas

Pursuits in Operation Lone Star Counties: 3,358 (approximately 68%)

Fatalities: At least 74 individuals

Injuries: 189 people

Notably, among the deceased were seven bystanders, including a 7-year-old girl.

Case in Point: A Tragic Loss

In March 2023, 7-year-old Emilia Tambunga and her grandmother, Maria Alvarez, were en route to get ice cream in Ozona, Texas. Their vehicle was struck by a driver fleeing from law enforcement, resulting in their untimely deaths. This incident underscores the dangers these pursuits pose to innocent civilians.

Initiation of Pursuits

The majority of these chases begin with minor traffic violations:

Traffic Violations: 81% of pursuits initiated due to traffic infractions

Misdemeanors: 97% of these were for misdemeanors such as speeding or ignoring traffic signals

These minor infractions often escalate into high-speed chases, leading to severe consequences.

Disproportionate Impact on Certain Counties

Operation Lone Star is active in 60 of Texas’ 254 counties. Despite representing only 13% of the state’s population, these counties account for a disproportionate number of vehicle pursuits and related fatalities.

Calls for Policy Reevaluation

The increasing fatalities have led to calls for policy changes:

Advocacy Groups: Organizations like Human Rights Watch advocate for restricting vehicle pursuits to situations where they are necessary to prevent death, injury, or serious property damage.

Law Enforcement Policies: Some police departments nationwide have implemented stricter pursuit policies, limiting chases to prevent unnecessary injuries and deaths.

Official Responses

In response to the rising concerns:

DPS Director Steve McCraw: Emphasized that troopers are expected to exercise discretion during pursuits and will be held accountable for their actions. He acknowledged the risks but argued that not pursuing suspects could embolden criminal activities.

Governor Abbott’s Office: A spokesperson attributed the dangers to human traffickers and smugglers, stating that their reckless actions endanger innocent lives. The office emphasized the state’s commitment to deploying resources to address the border crisis and protect citizens.

While the objectives of Operation Lone Star aim to enhance border security, the unintended consequences of increased high-speed pursuits have raised significant safety concerns. Balancing law enforcement objectives with public safety is crucial to prevent further tragedies.