Texas Governor Greg Abbott has renewed the state’s disaster proclamation concerning border security, first issued in May 2021. The renewal, announced on January 28, 2026, extends the state of disaster for dozens of counties along or near the Texas-Mexico border.
Governor Abbott originally certified under Section 418.014 of the Texas Government Code that a surge of individuals unlawfully crossing the border posed an ongoing and imminent threat to several Texas counties and state agencies. Since then, he has amended the proclamation multiple times to update the list of affected counties.
“The certified conditions continue to exist and pose an ongoing and imminent threat of disaster as set forth in the prior proclamations,” Abbott stated in his official order.
The renewed proclamation covers more than 60 counties, including Aransas, Brewster, Cameron, El Paso, Hidalgo, Maverick, Starr, Webb, Zapata, Zavala and others. All previous orders and authorizations related to this disaster declaration remain in effect.
“In accordance with the authority vested in me by Section 418.014 of the Texas Government Code, I do hereby renew the aforementioned proclamation and declare a disaster for [the listed] Counties and for all state agencies affected by this disaster. All orders, directions, suspensions, and authorizations provided in the Proclamation of May 31, 2021…are in full force and effect,” Abbott said.
The Governor’s office will file copies of this proclamation with appropriate authorities as required by law.
