Texas has always been a hotspot for some pretty bold and big-scale law enforcement operations. These sting operations usually target illegal activities ranging from drug trafficking to human smuggling.

I came across an article from the Texas Tribune about how these operations work. They're also expensive with billions of dollars being used on border security. I wanted to see where all the attention was going, so I searched for some of these string operations. Let’s look at a few of the biggest that have gone down in the Lone Star State.

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LOOK: SEE HOW TEXAS CRACKS DOWN WITH THESE 4 BIG STING OPERATIONS

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1. Operation Bishop (2013): Picture walking into what looks like a normal gaming arcade, only to find out it's a cover for illegal activities. This was the scene in Brownsville, where local arcades were doubling as fronts for laundering drug money. Operation Bishop swooped in with a team-up of local and federal agents, shutting down these spots, arresting scores of people, and seizing those rigged game machines.


 

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2. Operation Lone Star (2021): Initiated by Governor Greg Abbott, this operation was a massive team effort to stop the flow of drugs and people across the border. With Texas troopers and other law enforcement officers on high alert, the operation set up checkpoints and increased patrols. It’s a major ongoing effort to keep the state safe and secure.


 

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3. Operation Drawbridge: Imagine this - high-tech motion-detecting cameras scattered all along the border, snapping pictures and sending alerts whenever there’s suspicious activity. That’s Operation Drawbridge, a tech-savvy initiative starting in the early 2010s that’s helped nab thousands of lawbreakers trying to smuggle drugs and people into Texas.


 

Police Conduct Major Prostitution Sting
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4. Operation Falcon (2006): This one was a giant effort across multiple states, not just Texas. Operation Falcon gathered local, state, and federal officers to chase down violent criminals and fugitives. The result? Over 9,000 arrests, making it one of the biggest round-ups of bad guys in U.S. history.

As it turns out, efforts like those mentioned not only help keep the border secure but also play an important role in maintaining safety and law order throughout the state. It takes teamwork and technology as these operations continue to crack down on crime and protect Texans.

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Gallery Credit: Kyle Matthews

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