The state is confronting the challenges at the border with a primary emphasis on prevention. And while barriers can be effective in certain heavily-trafficked areas, closely coordinated local, state and federal law enforcement resources give us our best chance to hit our target: reduce crime and a secure border

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Having voted for the $110 million in border security funding that Gov. Rick Perry requested in the last legislative session, I recently attended the Committee on State Affairs meeting held in the Rio Grande Valley. We visited the border region, along with Rep. Warren Chisum, who chairs the Appropriations Committee. We were able to see the threat firsthand and assess the progress of our efforts. I can report that Texas' new policies are having an extremely positive impact.

The state is confronting the challenges at the border with a primary emphasis on prevention. And, while barriers can be effective in certain heavily-trafficked areas, closely coordinated local, state and federal law enforcement resources give us our best chance to hit our target: reduce crime and a secure border.

A "one size fits all" solution for this complicated terrain of waterways, deserts, urban centers and agricultural operations is not possible. But we can move away from an operational structure that records ever-higher number of apprehensions, drug seizures and convictions to an outcome-based model that focuses on crime prevention and safety.

At Gov. Perry's request, state funds appropriated by the legislature are being used to provide much needed equipment and resources to support the brave men and women of the Border Patrol in achieving its vital mission. This funding and clear direction from the Governor's office has allowed us to attain an unprecedented level of coordination and cooperation among local, state and federal agencies in the border region.

Around the clock, local sheriff's deputies, police officers, Border Patrol Agents, Department of Public Safety Troopers, Customs and Border Protection Inspectors, Texas Military Forces personnel, Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Wardens and others under the coordination of the Texas Rangers are working together to secure the Texas/Mexico border. This teamwork is maximizing our resources, increasing our impact on organized smuggling activity, and protecting our citizens.

My colleagues have crossed rugged terrain on horseback with the Border Patrol, accompanied Game Wardens on boat patrols of border lakes and the Rio Grand River and flown at night in helicopters equipped with newly acquired night vision capabilities. In my capacity with the Texas State Guard, I have spent time on numerous operations centered along the border. I have listen to weary law enforcement officers as they share stories of heavily-armed paramilitary forces and the transitional gang members employed by drug cartels who threaten Texas landowners.

However, our efforts are succeeding and we have the results to back it up. In border counties that have long been the personal playground for smuggling organizations, serious crime has dropped by an average of 65% and illegal alien apprehensions have fallen as those who would cross illegally are staying home. It is clear that the word is out: Texas is serious about border security.

I am encouraged by conversations I had with Border Patrol Agents, Homeland Security Officers, and local law enforcement who told me that they have seen substantial progress in their border counties since operations began. Their newfound belief that a secure border is attainable through teamwork is yet more proof of our progress.

Our situation is improving because Texans decided to do something about border security instead of just talking about it. Border security is, first and foremost, a federal issue. Nonetheless, Texas is making a difference because we are willing to dedicate our resources to a problem that affects the entire state and our nation. I am convinced that the Texas approach should be emulated in other states as soon as possible.

Our purpose is not to shut down the border, but to shut down criminal activity and illegal crossings. I am in favor of legal crossings and a guest worker program that will increase commerce, meet labor demands for certain industries in our state, and contribute to the economic prosperity of both the United States and Mexico. Texas and Mexico have a long history of cooperation and friendship and we should not let human smugglers and drug runners jeopardize that relationship.

In the weeks and months to come, we need to do even more to support our law enforcement officers on the border, providing more resources and giving them credit for their accomplishments. These hard-working people are logging significant overtime and risking their lives and their safety to keep us all safe. To continue this progress, we must consider continued state funding in the next legislative session. We must also encourage the federal government to provide its Customs and Border Protection Field Operations and Border Patrol the resources the need so that local and state resources are no longer necessary to secure the border.

In the end, I want Washington politicians and the people they represent to know that we're making great headway in securing our 1,254-mile border. By no means are we done, but we have shown what happens when we apply the right resources at the right places in the right way. If we can continue this approach, I am confided that border security can be achieved and our nation's safety secured. Until then, we must continue to address this issue with a unity of effort and a sense of urgency.

Flynn, a Republican from Van, has represented HD-2 in the Texas House since 2003.

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