Texas Governor Targets Foreign Influence in State Policies

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Texas Governor Greg Abbott takes bold action against Chinese Communist Party influence, targeting “Operation Fox Hunt” and protecting Chinese-American residents.

At a Glance

  • Governor Abbott issues executive order to arrest individuals involved in CCP’s “Operation Fox Hunt”
  • Texas Department of Public Safety directed to identify and charge suspects
  • New hotline established for reporting foreign harassment and interference
  • Initiative aims to protect over 250,000 individuals of Chinese descent in Texas

Abbott’s Executive Order Targets CCP Influence

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has taken a decisive step against Chinese Communist Party (CCP) influence operations within the state. The governor issued an executive order directing law enforcement to pursue and apprehend individuals conducting operations aimed at coercing Chinese dissidents to return to China. This move comes as part of a broader effort to protect Texas residents from external pressures and illegal foreign influence.

The executive order specifically targets “Operation Fox Hunt,” a Chinese initiative allegedly used to intimidate and repatriate dissidents. Governor Abbott’s action aligns with ongoing efforts by the U.S. Justice Department, which has already prosecuted individuals connected to this operation.

Protecting Chinese-American Texans

At the heart of this initiative is the protection of over 250,000 individuals of Chinese descent who legally reside in Texas. Governor Abbott emphasized the state’s commitment to safeguarding these residents from harassment by the Chinese Communist Party.

“Texas will not tolerate the harassment or coercion of the more than 250,000 individuals of Chinese descent who legally call Texas home by the Chinese Communist Party or its heinous proxies.” – Abbott

The governor’s stance sends a clear message that Texas is committed to protecting all its residents, regardless of their origin, from foreign intimidation and coercion. This move is particularly significant given the global context of CCP’s alleged harassment campaigns against Chinese dissidents worldwide.

Collaborative Efforts and Reporting Mechanisms

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) plays a crucial role in this initiative. They are tasked with identifying and charging suspects, collaborating with local and federal authorities, and providing policy recommendations to counter foreign harassment threats. The DPS will work through the Texas Fusion Center to assess incidents of foreign intimidation effectively.

“Ensuring the safety, welfare, and well-being of Texans is a top priority” – Governor Greg Abbott

To empower Texans in this effort, a new hotline and updates to the iWatch Texas Community Reporting System will be introduced. These tools will allow residents to report suspected acts of oppression or coercion by foreign adversaries. Texans can report suspicious activity anonymously via iwatchtx.org, the iWatchTexas mobile app, or by calling 844-643-2251.

Federal Collaboration and Future Steps

The initiative involves close collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies, particularly the FBI, which has been actively working to stop foreign government harassment in the U.S. The FBI in Houston has set up a dedicated hotline (713-693-5000) for victims of Chinese government harassment, highlighting the severity and prevalence of this issue.

“The Chinese Communist Party has engaged in a worldwide harassment campaign against Chinese dissidents in attempts to forcibly return them to China” – Abbott

Looking ahead, the Texas Department of Public Safety is set to provide policy recommendations by January 15, 2025. These recommendations will be crucial in shaping future strategies to combat foreign influence operations and protect Texas residents from international coercion and harassment.

Sources:

  1. Gov. Greg Abbott issues executive order targeting Chinese government operatives in Texas
  2. Gov. Greg Abbott issues executive order targeting Chinese government operatives in Texas

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