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Texas H-1B Freeze, Dem Lt. Gov Race & ICE Recalibration

Texas Political Highlights from the Week

Texas Political Spotlight January 30, 2026

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Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered a statewide freeze on new H-1B visa applications at Texas public universities and state agencies. In the Democratic race for lieutenant governor, steelworkers union leader Marcos Vélez is gaining traction with major labor backing and fresh scrutiny over fundraising ties linked to Texas Majority PAC as the primary nears. Lastly, Abbott says the White House is developing a plan to “recalibrate” ICE enforcement after fallout in Minnesota, as Texas simultaneously weighs billions more for Operation Lone Star and its ongoing border strategy.

Text card on Abbott freezing new H-1B visa applications at Texas agencies

Texans come first.

I’m directing state agencies and universities to freeze new H-1B visa petitions. Texas taxpayers invest billions to train our workforce. Those jobs should go to Texans.

Texas is the strongest economic engine in America. We’re going to keep it that way.…
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) January 27, 2026

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Text card on AFL-CIO endorsing Marcos Vélez in the lieutenant governor primary

.@TexasAFLCIO issues no endorsement in the #TXSEN Democratic primary between @JasmineForUS and @jamestalarico, endorses @VelezforTexas over @VikkiGoodwinTX in the Lt. Gov. primary. pic.twitter.com/tA26d22YjB
— Renzo Downey (@RenzoDowney) January 26, 2026

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Text card on Abbott urging federal recalibration of ICE enforcement

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