Law enforcement officials in Texas were reportedly directed by Governor Greg Abbott (R) to identify and apprehend criminals who were conducting influence operations at the direction of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) or the Chinese government.
The executive order was issued by Abbott to safeguard Texans from coordinated harassment and coercion campaigns by China, which are directed at Chinese dissidents and aim to compel them to return to China.
“The Chinese Communist Party has engaged in a worldwide harassment campaign against Chinese dissidents in attempts to forcibly return them to China. 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 said.
Ensuring the safety, welfare, & well-being of Texans is a top priority.
Issued an Executive Order today to target the Chinese Communist Party’s harassment of Texans.
I directed DPS to identify & bring criminal charges against individuals who harass Texans on behalf of the CCP. pic.twitter.com/A7uq7eVYk1
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) November 18, 2024
“Ensuring the safety, welfare, and well-being of Texans is a top priority. I directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to identify and bring criminal charges against individuals who harass Texans on behalf of this hostile foreign adversary. We will continue to do everything we can to protect Texans from the unlawful and repressive actions of the Chinese Communist Party.” he added.
Abbott directed the Texas Department of Safety to collaborate with federal law enforcement in order to identify and prosecute individuals employed by foreign governments who are suspected of being involved in crimes that target dissidents.
Additionally, Abbott directed the establishment of a new hotline for the purpose of reporting suspected instances of coercion or repression perpetrated by foreign entities.
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