- Houston police confirmed on Thursday afternoon that Ted Cruz’s team asked for security help.
- The police provided security for Cruz’s family as they sailed through the airport on Wednesday.
- Police chief Art Acevedo predicted that Cruz de Cancún’s return would likely be a “media circus”.
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While early respondents dealt with the energy and water crisis across the state of Texas, Republican Senator Ted Cruz’s office asked the Houston police for a security detachment at the airport before his family’s trip to Cancun, the department confirmed on Thursday afternoon.
“The Houston Police Department (HPD) can confirm that a member of Senator Cruz’s team contacted HPD personnel at the IAH on the afternoon of Wednesday, February 17, and requested assistance with the senator’s arrival at the airport. “Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said in a statement.
—Houston Police (@houstonpolice) February 18, 2021
“After Senator Cruz arrived at Terminal E, HPD officials monitored his movements through the terminal,” he added.
Cruz said the tour was just an overnight trip to accompany his children who wanted to spend the holidays with friends, explaining that he “wanted to be a good father”.
“People are going to say what they are going to say. I am a father and I was trying to be a good father and take care of my children. I am also a senator and I am working hard to fight for the state of Texas every day, and I will continue to do so” Cruz said on arriving in Houston.
Acevedo did not address the issue of resources being diverted to Cruz’s security detachment, but commented further on the issue after the department released its statement.
“Although we are not aware of any requests from Senator Cruz’s team for assistance regarding his return, his arrival will likely become a media circus, so @houstonpolice will be monitoring the situation,” tweeted the chief.
—Chief Art Acevedo (@ArtAcevedo) February 18, 2021
THE unidentified source told Skift that Cruz had initially planned to take a United Airlines flight back to Texas on Saturday. His itinerary changed abruptly on Thursday morning – a fact that was later also reported by NBC News’ Peter Alexander. It is not yet clear whether widespread criticism in any way impacted Cruz’s return date.
Cruz’s office did not respond to Insider’s questions about his initial flight booking, among other matters, and only provided his testimonial about the family trip.
John Haltiwanger contributed reporting to this article.