TX SB81

Declares that Texas is in a state of "imminent danger" under Article I, Section 10 of the U.S. Constitution, authorizing the state to act independently on border security matters

Authorizes the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to detect, deter, repel, and prosecute individuals attempting to enter Texas unlawfully at locations other than official ports of entry

Permits DPS personnel to return undocumented individuals to Mexico if they were observed crossing the Texas-Mexico border unlawfully and apprehended in the vicinity of the border

Empowers DPS to conduct enhanced examinations of aircraft, ships, vehicles, railcars, and cargo at or near ports of entry to interdict fentanyl, other dangerous drugs, and human smuggling operations

Authorizes use of force against known transnational cartel operatives in the border region for detection, apprehension, detention, and arrest purposes

Takes effect immediately with two-thirds legislative approval, otherwise September 1, 2025