Governor Makes Bold Move to Curb Foreign Influence Operations

Executive Order

Texas Governor Greg Abbott takes bold action against Chinese Communist Party influence in the Lone Star State, ordering arrests and establishing new measures to protect residents.

At a Glance

  • Governor Abbott issues executive order targeting Chinese Communist Party influence operations in Texas.
  • Texas Department of Public Safety directed to arrest individuals involved in “Operation Fox Hunt.”
  • Order aims to protect over 250,000 Texans of Chinese descent from CCP harassment.
  • New hotline and reporting system established for Texans to report foreign coercion.

Abbott’s Executive Order Targets CCP Influence

In a significant move to safeguard Texans from foreign interference, Governor Greg Abbott has issued an executive order aimed at combating Chinese Communist Party (CCP) influence operations within the state. The order directs the Texas Department of Public Safety to identify, target, and arrest individuals involved in “Operation Fox Hunt,” a Chinese initiative allegedly used to intimidate and forcibly repatriate dissidents.

Governor Abbott’s action comes in response to the CCP’s global harassment campaign against Chinese dissidents. The executive order emphasizes Texas’s commitment to protecting its residents of Chinese descent from coercion and intimidation by foreign actors.

Collaboration with Federal Authorities

The Texas Department of Public Safety will work closely with local and federal law enforcement agencies through the Texas Fusion Center to assess incidents of foreign intimidation. This collaborative effort aims to strengthen the state’s ability to counter CCP influence operations effectively.

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

The FBI in Houston has been actively working to stop foreign government harassment and is seeking potential victims in the area. A hotline has been set up for victims of Chinese government harassment, with the number (713) 693-5000 available for reporting incidents.

New Reporting Systems for Texans

As part of the executive order, a new hotline and updates to the iWatch Texas Community Reporting System will be introduced. These measures will allow Texans to report suspected acts of oppression or coercion by foreign adversaries anonymously. Residents can report suspicious activity via iwatchtx.org, the iWatchTexas mobile app, or by calling 844-643-2251.

“Ensuring the safety, welfare, and well-being of Texans is a top priority,” Governor Abbott emphasized, highlighting the state’s commitment to protecting its residents from unlawful and repressive actions of the Chinese Communist Party.

The Texas Department of Public Safety is also tasked with developing policy recommendations to counter foreign harassment threats, with a deadline of January 15, 2025. These recommendations will be crucial in shaping future strategies to protect Texans from foreign influence operations.

Governor Abbott’s executive order represents a strong stance against foreign interference in Texas, demonstrating the state’s commitment to preserving the rights and freedoms of all its residents. As the situation develops, Texans are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities that may be linked to foreign influence operations.

Sources:

  1. Gov. Greg Abbott issues executive order targeting Chinese government operatives in Texas
  2. Governor Abbott Issues Executive Order Targeting Chinese Communist Party’s Harassment Of Texans
  3. Governor Abbott Orders Arrest Of People Carrying Out CCP Influence Operations

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