Shock and outrage have swept across Texas after a Texas National Guard soldier was arrested for allegedly attempting to smuggle an illegal alien over the U.S.-Mexico border.
Savion Johnson, a 26-year-old deployed to Eagle Pass as part of Governor Greg Abbott’s Operation Lone Star, is now facing charges of evading arrest, smuggling of persons, and unlawful carry of a weapon.
This is a shocking turn of events for a soldier who took an oath to protect our state and uphold the law. Governor Abbott has made it clear that he will not stand for any Texans who violate laws and go against the mission of securing our border. If the allegations are true, Johnson is not only a criminal but a traitor to his fellow Texans.
It is no secret that President Biden has failed to take action in securing our southern border. It was this failure that prompted Abbott to launch Operation Lone Star back in March. And it has been the tireless efforts of the Border Patrol, Texas National Guard, and DPS that have been keeping our state safe. But this one bad apple has caused a stain on their hard work and dedication.
Bodycam and dashcam footage from Johnson’s high-speed chase with authorities showed the soldier being dragged out of his vehicle and arrested. It is believed that Johnson was promised a sum of $5,000 to $6,000 to transport the illegal alien. This begs the question – why would a member of the National Guard, who has taken an oath to serve and protect, resort to criminal activities like human smuggling?
As Kinney County Sheriff Brad Coe stated, “We don’t know what’s going on in their lives to make them do this.” But whatever the reason may be, it does not excuse their actions. Johnson and his accomplices have been caught and will be held accountable. He may have slipped through the cracks this time, but as Coe warned, “they’re going to get caught.”
This incident has also raised concerns about the security measures in place at our border. Johnson, armed with a government-issued vehicle, was able to elude authorities and engage in criminal activities. While he did not have access to license plate readers or other technology, it still highlights the need for stronger security measures at our border.
#BREAKING A Texas National Guard soldier deployed from McAllen to Eagle pass under Operation Lonestar was busted for attempting to smuggle an illegal immigrant in a government vehicle on Sunday.
Kinney County Sheriff Brad Coe says the soldier turned around when he approached a… pic.twitter.com/HrIIqXmNTq
— Ali Bradley (@AliBradleyTV) April 3, 2024
Governor Abbott, who has been a strong advocate for securing our border, expressed his deep disappointment and anger at Johnson’s actions. This is a betrayal to the state and to the men and women who are working tirelessly to keep our borders safe. As Texans, we have zero tolerance for those who go against the law and put our safety at risk.
“If the allegations are true, the accused is a traitor and criminal,” Abbott said in a statement to NewsNation Monday. “We have zero tolerance for Texans who violate laws that directly contradict the mission we are seeking to achieve.”
