Three years into Texas’ border security mission, Operation Lone Star, a Texas sheriff is highlighting the successful efforts of his deputies who are part of a multi-county operation dedicated to combating cartel-related crime.
Retiring Jackson County Sheriff Kelly R. Janica was a founding member of an Operation Lone Star Task Force led by Goliad Sheriff Roy Boyd. Janica, who came out of semi-retirement to fill an open sheriff’s seat in December 2021, joined Boyd’s OLS task force. The group includes law enforcement officers from approximately 30 agencies in nearly 20 counties committed to stopping cartel-related trafficking and smuggling operations.
The deputies are shown in a video, produced by Janica’s office, that showcases their dangerous work in thwarting cartel-related criminal activities. The video also features audio from a 2017 speech by former President Donald Trump, urging Americans to persevere.
Janica emphasized the importance of the OLS task force in preventing cartels from using their counties as staging areas for criminal activities. Members in Jackson and Wharton counties are described as the “linebackers” and last line of defense against cartel-linked smugglers before reaching Fort Bend and Harris counties to the north.
Moreover, these deputies have successfully recovered stolen vehicles, with over 100 apprehensions in the first year alone. They have also intercepted attempts at smuggling, including one incident where they found a truck carrying dozens of dehydrated individuals.
Despite challenges like lack of support from Border Patrol, Janica’s team has continued to make significant seizures and arrests. The surge in crime in south Texas led to increased resources and funding allocated by Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas legislature, resulting in successful operations by the sheriffs.
Moving forward, future Sheriff Rick Boone aims to continue the county’s involvement in the OLS task force. With over 100 Texas sheriffs supporting OLS, there is a united front against federal policies that have led to an insecure border and violations of Texas and federal law.
