Gov. Perry has deployed Texas Military Forces OH- 58 Kiowa and UH-72 Lakota helicopters as part of the first phase of the state’s spillover violence contingency plan.

These aviation assets, which will help local law enforcement deter and detect crime along the border, will operate between Brownsville and El Paso, however the number and exact location will not be disclosed for operational security purposes.

These aviation assets will complement those already deployed to the border by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Their capabilities include forward looking infrared imagery, video data link / streaming and a high power illumination system, “Night Sun.”

Additional measures being taken during the first phase of the state’s spillover violence contingency plan include increased surveillance of border activity by state and local law enforcement, the Texas Border Security Operations Center, and the Joint Operational and Intelligence Centers to ensure the timely sharing of intelligence information; increased ground, air and maritime patrol presence; and increased intensity of day and night DPS helicopter patrol operations along the Rio Grande River. Additional resources ready for rapid deployment have been placed on standby, including DPS SWAT Teams and Trooper Strike Teams, as well as Ranger Recon Teams prepared to reposition based on threat. Gov. Perry has a standing request with the federal government for 1,000 Title 32 National Guardsmen to support civilian law enforcement border security.