Soldiers received orders to prepare and be ready for their mission. They were instructed to pack up their belongings and were mobilized to the U.S.-Mexico border.
Their lives and professions came to a halt, but for a few, their sacrifices were even more significant.
Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott introduced Operation Lone Star in March 2021 as a key component of his strategy to combat illegal immigration. This initiative has garnered significant backing from President-elect Donald Trump and other prominent conservative figures.
Since the mission started, a total of 17 Texas National Guardsmen have lost their lives due to different reasons. Among these deaths, there have been seven suicides, two accidental shootings, and two motor vehicle accidents. Additionally, one guardsman tragically drowned while trying to rescue migrants who were crossing the Rio Grande.
During a hearing of the Texas House Committee on Defense and Veterans Affairs in August, officials from the Texas Military Department revealed the death toll. However, the department has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the deaths or the conditions of the mobilization.
The statement from Gov. Abbott’s office expressed deep condolences for the loss of life of the National Guard members. It emphasized that even one life lost is a tragedy, and extended heartfelt sympathy to the families and loved ones of these heroes.
The guardsmen were commended by the governor’s office for their exceptional service on the mission.
The Texas National Guard soldiers are working tirelessly, day and night, to safeguard our country from the detrimental effects of the Biden-Harris Administration’s risky open border policies. Their dedication and sacrifice are truly remarkable, not only for our state but also for our entire nation.
According to Abbott’s office, Operation Lone Star has successfully led to over 526,000 immigrant apprehensions and more than 48,000 criminal arrests as of November.
Soldiers mourn friends, comrades
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Operation Lone Star deployments are often described as a mixed experience by the guardsmen assigned to them.
“The initial years were challenging,” expressed a soldier who preferred to remain anonymous due to concerns about potential repercussions from their superiors. “Primarily because of the inadequate living conditions. We were all squeezed into cramped 30-man trailers, leaving no room for personal space.”
Over the years, the living situation has seen improvement as the state of Texas constructed camps along the border and provided accommodations for many troops in hotels.
The guardsman expressed his familiarity with the soldier who tragically drowned, identifying him as Bishop Evans, a 22-year-old field artilleryman.
“The 2019 drowning was a devastating incident, especially since he was highly regarded and well-liked by many of us,” shared the guardsman. “I had a personal connection with him and considered him a close friend.”
One more Texas guardsman, who wishes to remain anonymous, recounted the tragic incident where 19-year-old Specialist Dajuan Townes lost his life on February 7, 2022. According to the witness, Townes accidentally discharged his personal firearm, resulting in his untimely demise. The Texas Military Department ruled that Townes’ death was unrelated to the mission.
The guard member expressed their frustration when they requested to halt the training due to a death. Instead of being heard and understood, they were met with a dismissive response: “shut the f— up, sit there and keep doing your job,” as if the incident had no significance.
The soldiers requested trauma supplies like tourniquets, but their commanders denied those requests, according to the guardsman.
Following the tragic drowning death of Bishop Evans, the Texas legislature took swift action by passing a law in his honor. This law, aptly named after him, ensures that the families of National Guardsmen who lose their lives while on state missions are eligible to receive a lump sum payment of $500,000. The governor’s office released a statement expressing Governor Abbott’s pride in signing this bill into law.
Unfortunately, the Bishop Evans Act has not been able to provide assistance to many of the families of Operation Lone Star victims.
According to Sheila Bailey Taylor, the Director of State Administration at the Texas Military Department, ten claims had been submitted prior to the passage of the law in September 2023. Out of these claims, six were denied as the families were considered ineligible for the benefits.
Taylor acknowledged that the investigation conducted by TMD adheres to Army regulations, which he recognizes as a complex and detailed process. He further stated that TMD is accountable for conducting a thorough investigation into the incident and ultimately determining whether the death occurred while in the line of military duty.
Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro has been opposing Operation Lone Star ever since it was initiated. The Democrat made an effort to hinder federal funding for what he described as a “rogue operation.” Castro expressed his deep concern over the 17 deaths and criticized Operation Lone Star as merely a “show horse” for Abbott.
According to Castro, there are significant concerns regarding the treatment of troops in Operation Lone Star, as well as doubts about the overall effectiveness of the operation. He asserts that the deaths of 17 soldiers provide damning evidence against Operation Lone Star and raise questions about Governor Greg Abbott’s legacy.
“It was never enough”
In 2023, there were 523 reported deaths by suicide among active duty troops, members of the National Guard and reserves, and their spouses and dependents, according to the Department of Defense. This represents a six percent increase compared to the previous year. The Pentagon has noted that when adjusted for age and sex, the military suicide rate is similar to that of the general U.S. population.
However, according to some observers, the nature of the border mission can have a significant impact on the mental health of soldiers.
Ari Sawyer, an immigration policy expert who previously worked with Human Rights Watch, emphasizes that the key to preventing these suicides is to put an end to the enforcement of violent policies against individuals.
President-elect Trump has expressed his intention to utilize the military for the purpose of conducting mass deportations and ensuring border security. In a notable development, the state of Texas has extended an offer to provide land along the Rio Grande to the incoming Trump administration for the establishment of deportation facilities. However, Governor Abbott has indicated that the state’s involvement in this mission could diminish if the federal government allocates additional resources to the border.
According to Sawyer, if the military is given the responsibility of immigration enforcement in the United States, it is likely that there will be an increase in the number of suicides. This is mainly due to the country’s polarized stance on the issue, which leads to a feeling of rejection and isolation among individuals.
The Guardsman who witnessed the death of Dajuan Townes revealed that he suffered from depression and PTSD after the incident. Unfortunately, since he was on state active duty and not federal orders, he was not eligible for disability benefits and his conditions were considered unrelated to his service.
“I did my best during Operation Lone Star, but no matter how much effort I put in, it always fell short,” he admitted. “There is a part of me that truly regrets my decision to join the military and be a part of Operation Lone Star, as it has had a profound impact on me and changed me in ways I never anticipated.”
However, the other guardsman, who happens to be a close friend of Bishop Evans, expressed his commitment to remain on the border mission for as long as his assistance is required.
“There is a problem with the open borders,” he stated. “If the governor believes that it is our responsibility to safeguard the people of Texas, then we must take action.”
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers a hotline for people who are in crisis or those who want to assist someone else. If you are in need of support from a certified listener, please call 988.
