HB 3782 Testimony Before the Texas House Committee on State Affairs

April 13, 2023

Selene Rodriguez

Selene Rodriguez is the Campaign Director for the Secure and Sovereign Nation campaign at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. In this role, she conducts research on public policy issues; assists the Foundation in academic publication; educates lawmakers and members of the public on Foundation research; and provides formal testimony to local, state, and federal entities.

Prior to this position, Rodriguez served in the Marine Corps as an Intelligence Specialist and completed an internship at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Born and raised in Del Rio, Texas, Rodriguez graduated from Texas State University with a B.A. and M.A. in Political Science.

My name is Selene Rodriguez, and I represent the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you today. I am testifying in support of House Bill 3782.
Gov. Abbott and the Texas Legislature have done a great job of working to ensure that Texas can work toward regaining and maintaining operational control of the Texas–Mexico border. The state has provided historic funding to various state agencies to support Operation Lone Star and border security programs. Due to the rapid increase in cartel-related crimes and illegal migration into Texas, the state has had to adapt and learn quickly how to defend itself and its people. We have begun laying the groundwork in Texas to curb continued migrant
surges, human smuggling, and drug trafficking, now that we know the federal government can abandon its duties and force Texas to fend for itself.

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