Texas National Guard uses pepper ball guns to deter migrants at Texas-Mexico border under Operation Lone Star.

Texas National Guard members have started using pepper ball guns to deter migrants at the Texas-Mexico border under Governor Greg Abbott's Operation Lone Star initiative, deployed since March 2021. The pepper ball launchers shoot munitions containing a chemical causing irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat and have been met with concern from some experts and migrants who have been affected by their use. Critics argue that the pepper balls can cause serious injury and require extensive training and understanding of potential risks.