SpaceX’s Starbase to Establish Its Own Police Department
In a significant development for Starbase, the South Texas town established by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, plans are underway to form an independent municipal police department. This initiative marks a pivotal step in Starbase’s evolution from a company-centric community to a self-sustaining municipality.
During a special meeting on February 3, 2026, the Starbase city commission approved an ordinance to create the police department, pending approval from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE). The proposed department will be led by a chief of police appointed by the city commission and is expected to recruit eight officers. Operations could commence within a few months, according to local news outlet Valley Central.
Kent Myers, the city administrator of Starbase, emphasized the necessity of this development, stating, There is a lot of assets here with the operations of SpaceX. Those assets need to be protected, and so the police department will play a critical part in protecting those assets.
Starbase, primarily known for SpaceX’s Starship rocket manufacturing and testing, is home to a few hundred residents, most of whom are SpaceX employees and their families. Its remote location, approximately 10 miles from Brownsville—a drive that can take 45 minutes or longer—underscores the need for localized law enforcement services.
The establishment of a police department is the latest in a series of public service enhancements since Starbase’s incorporation as a city in 2025. In October of the same year, SpaceX employees initiated a volunteer fire department. The city also appointed a fire marshal and assumed responsibility for building inspections and permitting processes.
Initially, Starbase sought to address law enforcement needs by contracting with the Cameron County sheriff’s office. A $3.5 million, five-year agreement was established, assigning eight deputies to the city, with two on duty per shift. However, this arrangement faced challenges, including difficulties in recruiting deputies due to the contract’s lack of civil service protections, as noted by Sheriff Manuel Treviño.
In response to these challenges, Starbase has engaged security consulting firm Vision Quest Solutions to assist in developing the new police department. The city is currently in the process of submitting its application to TCOLE for official approval.
The move to establish an independent police force reflects Starbase’s commitment to enhancing the safety and security of its residents and the critical infrastructure associated with SpaceX’s operations. As the city continues to grow and develop, this initiative represents a significant step toward self-reliance and community resilience.
