The drug trade is what is fueling the violence in Mexico. It’s important to ensure we not only stop the flow of drugs, but prevent the spillover of violence and the expansion of international gangs. As a member of the Sunset Advisory Commission and the Transportation & Homeland Security Committee, Senator Hinojosa has led the effort to properly equip the Department of Public Safety to combat drug traffickers and help ease the financial burdens that have been unfairly placed on border communities.
- Secured over $72.5 million for aircraft, boats, and surveillance technology to bolster DPS’ capacity to combat drug traffickers.
- Senator Hinojosa made it a top priority to give law enforcement the tools they need to keep our families safe and has worked with legislators statewide to strengthen border security without harming our business and cultural relations with Mexico that allows our region to be one of the most dynamic in the nation.
- Voted for legislation that increased penalties for human trafficking, increased victim identification and services, and expanded the duties of the Human Trafficking Task Force.
- By serving as Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Hinojosa has a significant impact on the state budget writing process and ensures that critical discussions focus on the needs of our border communities. Senator Hinojosa helped secure $587.4 million in funding for the Department of Public Safety and $6.75 million in funding for the Border Prosecution Unit.
- Secured millions in funds for a biosecurity initiative at the Texas A&M Health Science Center in McAllen. This gives our public health professionals the tools they need to immediately recognize and respond to disease outbreaks, environmental threats, and natural disasters.