Governor Abbott calls Special Session #3: Colony Ridge
September 28 2023 | Austin, Texas
The next special session is scheduled to begin on Monday, October 9. We have yet to learn what, aside from Colony Ridge, may be on the list for that session, as there are plenty of important issues left unaddressed.
The most obvious topic that blends perfectly with Colony Ridge is border security. We would not be faced with the problem of a large community of illegal immigrants nearby were it not for the disaster that passes for a border.
Border Security Bills Killed
There were many bills addressing our border problems offered in the 88th regular legislative session, but then effectively killed in the House, under the leadership of Speaker Dade Phelan. For instance, a bill that would have established a Texas Border Protection Unit passed the Senate and was killed in the House on a point of order. It was sent back to committee with no time left in the session to address much more than the infamous impeachment vote, of course.
Another bill by Senator Lois Kolkhorst would have made it illegal for foreign nationals from hostile countries to own certain types of Texas land. Another addressing punishment for criminal conduct involving human smuggling, operating stash house or evading arrests or detention did not make it through the session.
Yet another bill would have declared an invasion by narco-terrorists, opening the door to accelerated wall construction and a demand that Congress deploy the military to the southern border. These were bills that passed the Senate, but not the House. The list of important but dead bills is substantial.
Pressure to deal with Colony Ridge
Other things should be noted as we wait to see what our governor means by ‘whatever it takes’ to deal with the developing crisis, just a half hour drive from Montgomery.
Colony Ridge is believed to have a population of about 75,000 with an area being prepared that could accommodate some 200,000 residents.
There is nothing new about Colony Ridge. This development that preys on legal Texans and illegal buyers alike has been going on for some 10 years. It received some attention in May when a Mexican National living there took offense to being asked to stop shooting his gun outside so that his neighbor’s baby could sleep. In answer, he shot and killed his five Honduran neighbors, including an eight-year-old child.
Recently, news outlets across the country got wind of the development and Colony Ridge became national news. So, the heat is on.
Questions about Abbott’s donor Trey Harris
While we approve of the issue being added to the special session call, we are not sure how much faith we have that anything meaningful will be done to address the problem.
In addition to the dismal record of the House on border issues, it can not be ignored that a principal of Colony Ridge Development, William ‘Trey’ Harris, is one of Abbott’s largest donors, having given $1.4 million.
We have been asked to believe that $25,000 could buy an attorney general. Is $1.4 million just an investment in good government?
Take Action
1) Continue to contact Governor Abbott’s office and urge him to support border security legislation in the upcoming special session, including preventing further settlement of illegal aliens in Colony Ridge and any other areas of Texas.
Online:
Visit gov.texas.gov/apps/contact-us/opinion, enter your contact information, select “Border Security” as the issue, and leave your message.
Phone: 512-463-2000
2) Attend the upcoming flag-waving rallies to protest open borders, illegal aliens crossing into U.S. territory, child & human trafficking (slavery), and drug trafficking.
Other articles related to Colony Ridge
State Party Asks for Legislation in Special Session to Address Colony Ridge Illegals Settlement
The State Republican Executive Committee (SREC) voted unanimously on Saturday, Sept 23 on a resolution calling for Governor Greg Abbott to add legislation to the next special session “to prevent further settlement of illegal aliens in Colony Ridge and any other areas of Texas.”
East County Town Hall Addresses Colony Ridge Issues
The Montgomery County Republican Party held a Town Hall meeting on August 24 in New Caney to address law enforcement issues spilling over into East Montgomery County from neighboring Liberty County as a result of the Colony Ridge settlement, and other public safety issues.