HOUSTON — Gov. Greg Abbott has launched a "10 Most Wanted Criminal Illegal Immigrants" list. The list was described by the Governor's Office as a new initiative to locate and arrest illegal immigrants wanted for dangerous crimes committed in Texas.
It's just the latest move in an election year where border security remains a top issue for voters.
"This plays on fear," said Mark Jones, a political scientist at Rice University.
The most wanted list is live online on the Texas DPS website. It shows the names and 10 mugshots of men who DPS said are the most dangerous criminal illegal immigrants. Five are last known to have been in the Houston area wanted for crimes like child molestation, murder and rape.
Within 24 hours, DPS announced that one of the 10 had been arrested. The man was taken into custody in Baytown on Thursday.
"This is a very astute political move by Greg Abbott," Jones said.
Jones said Abbott's announcement isn't only meant to help catch dangerous criminals.
"At the end of the day, the most wanted list and the reward will probably result in some tips that will lead to the apprehension of these individuals," said Jones. "The real impact is not taking 10 felons off the street, it's highlighting to the public in Texas that the Biden administration is failing to secure the border and has resulted in the presence of dangerous criminals in Texas."
This new most wanted list comes just a day after President Joe Biden announced a new executive order that shuts down the asylum process between ports of entry once the daily average of illegal crossings surpasses 2,500.
"Biden's executive order is also very political," said Jones.
Jones said Biden is too trying to score political points and prove he's addressing border security ahead of a first presidential debate with former President Donald Trump. But Jones believes Abbott's move with this new fugitive list will likely have a larger political impact.
"Republicans are always going to win on border and immigration issues," said Jones.
KHOU 11 News did try to talk to Abbott on Wednesday. A spokesman says he was not available. Texas CrimeStoppers is offering up to a $5,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of any of these men.