Texas Landowner Border Law Handbook

Publication Information

Landowners in Texas border regions are seeing increasing numbers of trespassers on their land. A common concern is property damage to gates, fences, growing crops, pastures, stolen property, etc. In addition, landowners fear for their own safety and also worry about the liability they could face if a trespasser is injured on their land. Although this handbook will not solve all of these problems, our hope is that this information will provide landowners with a better understanding of the particular laws, steps to take, and important contacts that might be applicable to their current situation.

Who is this for?

• Texas landowners near the U.S. border

What will you learn?

• Laws that affect landowners along the U.S. border
• Steps to take to mitigate risk or what to do if trespassers damage property
• Important law enforcement agency contacts

Publication outline:

Current state of the border

Current data on border crossings along the Texas-Mexico border.

Who has jurisdiction?

How to understand which law enforcement agency has jurisdiction along border regions.

Texas law for landowners

An overview of relevant statutory and case law concerning the issues facing Texas landowners along the border.

Frequently asked questions and best practices

Answers to specific questions Texas landowners may have and a list of best practices to follow.

Contact information for law enforcement agencies

Listing of contact information for law enforcement agencies along border regions of Texas, including Sheriffs, Border Patrol, Special Rangers, and more.