Backing Governor Abbott’s Bold Public Safety Task Force

By Mayor Brad Bailey

Throughout the nation, two visions for law enforcement are unfolding. On one hand, liberals like Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson are creating “ICE Free Zones” in an attempt to expel federal law enforcement from doing their job. Worse than a lack of cooperation, federal agents are facing active resistance from governors and mayors. Members of Congress are showing up at ICE facilities to protest and attempt to force their way into the facilities. The federal government is asking for a permanent city perimeter around the South Portland ICE building due to violent and belligerent protestors. Still, Portland Mayor Keith Wilson decided instead to remove the temporary perimeter and replace it with nothing.

When law enforcement agencies and departments fail to cooperate, citizens pay a price, and criminals are given more opportunity to harm the public. Texas has another vision. Why? Because Texans are fed up with a criminal justice system that functions like a revolving door for repeat offenders. Violent criminals have seemingly been given free rein to wreak havoc on their communities. Enough is enough.

Governor Abbott is committed to tackling this crisis head-on. He has even established a new Public Safety Task Force – a bold, results-driven effort to hold repeat offenders accountable, ensure cooperation between municipalities and law enforcement agencies, and restore safety across Texas.

For too long, violent criminals cycle through our justice system while victims are left behind and families and businesses are terrorized. We need to stop making excuses and start enforcing the law. That’s what Governor Abbott's task force will do.

This statewide initiative brings together state troopers, prosecutors, and local police in closer collaboration than ever before, uniting the critical players who protect our communities. Like a cord of many strands, by collaborating, these partners will identify and monitor repeat offenders, close dangerous loopholes throughout the criminal justice system, and ensure violent criminals are held accountable.

As one of the safest communities in America, The Woodlands is proud to have our Montgomery County law enforcement enforcing the law and prosecuting those who break it. We know what works: accountability, cooperation, and a zero-tolerance attitude toward crime.

Unfortunately, we've seen what happens when local governments or progressive district attorneys refuse to prosecute offenders or let politics interfere with justice by refusing to cooperate with state and local law enforcement. Like how President Trump deployed federal agents and the National Guard to do what some governors will not, the Governor's initiative sends a clear message: if local officials won't enforce the law, the State of Texas will.

With Harris County just to our south, what happens in Houston affects The Woodlands. From rising car thefts and retail crime rings to drug trafficking moving up I-45, unchecked crime in Houston is impacting us all. The Governor's task force isn't just about Houston; it's about every community in Texas. It will direct critical resources where they're needed most and establish a statewide standard of accountability and collaboration.

As Chairman of The Woodlands Township, I have prioritized partnerships between law enforcement, businesses, and residents. We have expanded patrols, strengthened coordination with the sheriff's office, and invested in advanced technology to enhance public safety.

These local efforts align perfectly with the Governor's statewide vision. Together, we can ensure that criminals know there is nowhere in Texas they can hide. We must keep dangerous individuals behind bars while supporting proven diversion programs for those willing to change - firm but fair, strong but smart.

Safety is freedom. You can’t build a business, raise kids, or grow a community if you’re afraid to walk outside. Governor Abbott’s task force is more than policy; it’s a declaration that Texas will never surrender its streets to criminals. Because at the end of the day, public safety is not just the government’s first job — it is the government’s sacred duty.

Brad Bailey is chairman of The Woodlands Township and a member of America First Policy Institute’s Mayor Council.