State law enforcement responds to travel restrictions

Gov. Greg Abbott ordered restrictions on travel along the border of Louisiana, an increasingly growing hot spot for COVID-19 in the U.S, last Sunday. How and when the order would be enforced by the Department of Public Safety has caused some confusion for residents on both sides of the border as vehicles were still moving freely across the state line at TX-77 and LA-1 as late as Friday.

The Associated Press reported on Sunday that troopers have only recently started conducting screenings near Orange, Texas on Interstate 10; one week after Abbott’s order was issued.

Staff Lieutenant Lonny Haschel with the Department of Public Safety issued a statement on Sunday to the Atlanta Citizens Journal. Haschel did not state how screenings are conducted, nor how troopers will determine which passengers entering Cass County from Louisiana would be selected for the screening process.

“As part of our efforts to enforce Governor Abbott’s Executive Order (GA-12), the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is increasing its presence along the Texas/Louisiana border. DPS Troopers will set up roadway screening stations to gather required forms from road travelers along the border. The area of operations will remain in Texas counties that border Louisiana. The established screening stations will take place on major roadways in these counties, including interstate highways and other high-volume routes. Travelers will be asked to complete the travel form required under GA-12. It’s important for those entering Texas from Louisiana to be prepared to stop.”

He continued, “While the department does not discuss specifics related to its operational plans regarding enforcement, we want the public to be prepared for increased patrols and additional law enforcement presence along the Texas/Louisiana border as we work to enforce the Governor’s Executive Order.”

Haschel said that it is important for those who fall under the self-quarantine mandates outlined in GA-12 to remember that a violation of the Executive Order is subject to criminal penalties.

The order does not apply to travel related to commercial activity, military service, emergency response, health response, or critical infrastructure functions.

Additional information about the Executive order can be found online at www.dps.texas.gov/COVIDtravel.