Texas’ Operation Lone Star— you’ve probably heard of it, but what is it exactly? And more importantly, how is it impacting people who live at the border and those seeking asylum?

Join us for an expert panel discussion on Operation Lone Star and what it means for the Rio Grande Valley on Friday, March 8 at 7 PM at ENTRE Film Center in Harlingen. The panel will be followed by an art exhibit at Cactus Valley Art showcasing art created by asylum-seekers who are impacted by Operation Lone Star. Cactus Valley Art is a 3-minute walk or 1-minute drive from ENTRE Film Center. The panel will be be livestreamed. RSVP to receive the link of the livestream the day of the event.

Since March 2021, Governor Greg Abbott’s racist and costly Operation Lone Star has dramatically increased the state infrastructure to criminalize and deport individuals, as reported by endlonestar.org. OLS costs Texas taxpayers more than $2.5 million per week. Newly enacted legislation in Texas codifies OLS into law and expands its powers state-wide.

Moderated by Ruido Studios, the panelists are community leaders who work directly with asylum-seekers and immigrants. A list of the confirmed panelists will be shared before the event.