Former President Donald Trump received a formal endorsement from Texas Governor Greg Abbott during an event held near the Texas-Mexico border on Sunday. The endorsement came as Abbott praised Trump for his commitment to addressing the nation's growing list of problems, particularly the border crisis. Abbott emphasized the need for a president who would secure the border and restore law and order in the United States, contrasting this with what he perceived as an outbreak of warfare under President Joe Biden. He expressed the belief that Trump's return as president would restore world peace.

Abbott's endorsement of Trump had been teased in advance of the event, making him the latest Republican governor to back the frontrunner for the GOP nomination. As the governor of Texas, the largest red state in the nation, Abbott's support carries significant weight. It is worth noting that the Texas primary is scheduled for March 5, just one day after Trump is set to face trial for alleged 2020 election meddling. Trump's lawyers are currently seeking to move the trial date. Overall, at least seven out of the 26 sitting GOP governors have endorsed Trump, further solidifying his position within the party.

During the event in Edinburg, Texas, both Trump and Abbott took the opportunity to greet Border Patrol agents. Trump delivered a brief 10-minute speech, where he promised to make the governor's job of securing the border very easy. He expressed his concerns about the direction of the country, criticizing those who either don't care, lack intelligence, or harbor hatred towards the United States. Under Abbott's leadership, Texas has implemented Operation Lone Star, a controversial operation that has involved transporting migrants to blue strongholds such as New York City, Chicago, and Washington, DC.

The event at the Texas-Mexico border aimed to highlight Trump's plans to crack down on immigration if he were to win the 2024 election. As the frontrunner for the Republican nomination, Trump's visit to Texas alongside Abbott showcased his commitment to addressing border issues. Abbott praised Trump for his efforts in reducing border crossings to the lowest point in decades during his presidency. He emphasized the dangers posed by Biden's border policies and stated that America cannot continue under Biden's leadership.

Since Biden took office, U.S. border agents have made over 5 million arrests of migrants attempting irregular crossings over the U.S.-Mexico border. These migrants come from various countries, with many fleeing economic and political turmoil in places like Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. Trump has pledged to crack down on illegal immigration and tighten restrictions on legal immigration if elected in 2024. His plan includes the restoration of the "remain in Mexico" program, which forces non-Mexican asylum-seekers to wait in Mexico until their cases are resolved. Biden terminated this program, promising more humane and orderly immigration policies. However, his administration has faced challenges in dealing with the record levels of migrants crossing the border.

Abbott has emerged as a leading Republican figure on border issues through his Operation Lone Star initiative, which aims to enhance border security. This plan has put him at odds with the Biden administration, further highlighting the significance of his endorsement of Trump. The event near the Texas-Mexico border served as a platform for Trump and Abbott to address the concerns surrounding immigration and highlight their shared commitment to border security.