KC Reporter

Missouri Governor Mike Parson has announced that Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe will be traveling to McAllen, Texas, on Saturday, April 13, to receive an in-person update on Operation Lone Star and assess Missouri's ongoing deployment to the Southern Border. Lt. Governor Kehoe will be accompanied by Missouri Department of Public Safety Director Sandy Karsten and Missouri State Highway Patrol Colonel Eric Olson.

Governor Parson expressed his gratitude towards Lt. Governor Kehoe for his support, stating, "We thank him for being a leader on this issue and for offering his assistance in going to Texas to assess current operations and learn how Missouri's MSHP resources can continue to help secure our Southern Border moving forward."

In response, Lt. Governor Kehoe acknowledged the importance of securing the Southern Border, saying, "Until the Southern Border is secure, every state is a border state. I appreciate Governor Parson for stepping in where President Biden has failed and deploying Missouri’s resources to assist Governor Abbott in this mission."

Missouri's involvement in the Southern Border operations began on February 20, 2024, when Governor Parson activated up to 200 Missouri National Guard members and 22 Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers to support Operation Lone Star. Since then, Missouri troopers and soldiers have been actively assisting in various law enforcement activities along the border.

Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers have been providing support to the Texas Department of Public Safety, with a total of 11 troopers deployed since March 1, 2024. A second contingent of 11 troopers joined the mission on March 30, 2024, with troopers from eight of the MSHP's nine troops currently serving in Texas.

On the other hand, soldiers from the Missouri National Guard have been working alongside the Texas Army National Guard since March 15, conducting security patrols along the Rio Grande River and assisting in detecting and turning back undocumented migrants. Lt. Governor Kehoe will be visiting to assess the progress of these operations and show support for the troops on the ground.

Photos from both the Missouri National Guard and Missouri State Highway Patrol deployments can be found accompanying the article, showcasing the dedication and hard work of the troops involved in supporting border security efforts.