We learned in Texas history class it took courage and sacrifice to gain and defend our sovereignty. Independence is won, not granted. Each generation has a duty to protect our precious liberty.

Sadly today, terroristic drug cartels are impugning the sovereignty of the United States of America on Texas soil. For many of our farmers and ranchers on the Texas border, independence and freedom are being compromised daily by violent Mexican drug cartels. At an increasingly alarming rate, these terrorists are invading Texas farms and ranches, threatening the lives of our fellow citizens and jeopardizing our nation's food supply. As Texans, we have stood tall against oppression in the past, and it appears we will have to do so again if Washington, D.C. will not adequately defend us.

With the launch of our ProtectYourTexasBorder.com website, the Texas Department of Agriculture is documenting the true stories of those who supply our food under the constant threat of danger. You will see and hear stories from Texas farmers and ranchers who have been subjected to intimidation, drug running and property damage by criminals who have illegally entered the United States. This documentation will ensure no one, not even those in Washington, can deny the daily realities of this violence and its impact on our food production sector.

As providers of the safest, most abundant and most affordable food supply in the world, the hard-working Texans featured on Protect YourTexasBorder.com deserve our government's protection. Until they get it, landowners will be forced to abandon their land and retreat from farming and ranching, jeopardizing the food supply upon which we've come to rely.

While I certainly salute our brave Texas State Troopers, courageous Texas Rangers and dedicated local law enforcement who are doing their part to serve and protect our fellow Texans, I implore our federal government to hear the voices on ProtectYourTexasBorder.com. Border violence is not just a Texas problem; it's a national security issue.

Protecting the families of our farmers and ranchers is not only the right thing to do; in essence, it protects us all. It also ensures our national food security. I'd say that's worth fighting for.