Overview

• Texas has officially claimed Beaver Island and the Roma Islands along the Rio Grande, previously used by Mexican cartels for smuggling and illegal activities.
• The Texas General Land Office determined the islands to be of sovereign status, enabling American law enforcement operations.
• Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham has requested federal assistance to clear vegetation, install razor wire, and establish operational control over the islands.
• The Roma Islands have been described as a 'smuggler's paradise,' with cartels using them to stash weapons, drugs, and people.
• This move builds on Texas' broader border security efforts, including Operation Lone Star, and highlights state-federal collaboration to combat cross-border crime.