EP Commissioners Concerned About State Trooper Chases in the County

One El Paso County Attorney told Commissioners that car chases involving Highway Patrol chases within the city limits pose a threat to the community.

“Our review did find that DPS pursuits are an ongoing dangers”, said Assistant County Attorney Bernardo Cruz said.

If you drive in El Paso you’ve probably noticed the increase in Highway Patrol trucks. Cruz said that Governor Greg Abbott’s announcement in 2021 of “Operation Lone Star” led to a jump in the number of DPS officers and vehicles in El Paso and other border communities. Then, following El Paso’s disaster declaration in 2022, there was another dramatic uptick in the DPS presence in El Paso.

County Attorney Christina Sanchez said she understands the need for vehicle pursuit in some instances. But, she said, the safety of the public must be of paramount importance. Ironic, I suppose. that the Department of Public Safety is being called a threat to public safety.

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The county review came after years of requests by members of the community and elected officials. The review was extensive, relying of data provided BY the Department of Public Safety, along with arrest affidavits and media reporting. The review determined that DPS vehicle pursuits endanger both officers and the public at large.

Operation Lone Star was introduced as a counter-measure against illegal immigration, human trafficking, and the illicit drug trade.

According to the governor’s office, OLS has resulted in 517,000 migrant apprehensions, 44,000 criminal arrests, and 489 doses of fentanyl seized.

Operation Lone Star is estimated to cost around $2.5 BILLION annually.