In a press conference held on February 4, 2024, Governor Greg Abbott revealed plans to establish an 80-acre base camp in Eagle Pass, Texas. The purpose of the base camp is to accommodate Texas National Guard soldiers who are deployed for Operation Lone Star, a state initiative aimed at deterring illegal immigration. The project, estimated to cost an undisclosed amount, will provide individual rooms for approximately 1,800 to 2,300 soldiers.

Previously, soldiers were dispersed throughout the area, residing in tents, hotels, and private residences. Some had to commute up to an hour to reach Eagle Pass. Governor Abbott emphasized the need for improved living conditions, stating that the previous arrangements were not ideal for military operations.

Texas Major General Thomas Suelzer revealed that the base camp will be able to accommodate 300 soldiers by mid-April, with an additional 300 beds being added every 30 days until the project is completed. The camp will serve as a centralized location for the deployment of troops along the state's 1,200-mile border with Mexico.

Since the launch of Operation Lone Star in March 2021, Governor Abbott has deployed state troopers and the National Guard to various border areas. Currently, an estimated 3,000 Texas soldiers are stationed at the border, assisting state troopers in apprehending migrants and implementing security measures such as barriers on land and water.

However, the deployment has faced significant challenges, as highlighted in a joint investigation by the Military Times and the Texas Tribune in 2022. Issues included payment delays and shortages of crucial equipment, such as cold weather gear and medical supplies. Troops were also found to be living in tight quarters within trailers.

The construction of the base camp aims to address some of these problems and provide a more suitable and efficient environment for the National Guard soldiers deployed under Operation Lone Star.

The completion of the base camp will mark a significant milestone in Governor Abbott's efforts to secure the border and regulate immigration into Texas. As the state continues to tackle this complex issue, the establishment of the base camp is expected to bolster the effectiveness and sustainability of the Operation Lone Star mission.