The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has agreed to reimburse Texas $7.5 billion for costs the state incurred during its border security operations, following approval under a new federal law. Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced the funding after speaking with Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, calling it a "victory" for Texas taxpayers who funded the state's border enforcement efforts during the Biden administration.
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The reimbursement marks the first time Texas has received federal repayment for its border security spending, highlighting ongoing disputes over immigration enforcement and state-federal responsibilities.
Texas has spent more than $11.6 billion on border security during the Biden administration, the largest allocation in state history and more than what the Trump administration dedicated to federal border security in Texas, according to reporting by The Center Square. Abbott first requested reimbursement from Congress for over $11.1 billion in border security costs nearly two years ago. The $7.5 billion payment comes from the State Border Security Reinforcement Fund, established within the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and secured by U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas. Texas submitted its application for reimbursement to DHS in June.
Texas' Border Security Efforts
Operation Lone Star (OLS), launched by Abbott in March 2021, has seen thousands of Texas National Guard soldiers and Department of Public Safety troopers deployed to the border. OLS operations include constructing a state border wall, installing barriers, expanding surveillance technology, and targeting drug and human smuggling. From March 2021 through February 2026, OLS officers apprehended 538,141 people in the country illegally and deterred 157,112 attempted illegal entries, according to OLS data cited by The Center Square. The operation also targets cartel networks and criminal organizations, including those designated as foreign terrorist groups.
"Texas held the line when Washington would not. Texas taxpayers spent billions to stop illegal crossings, catch criminals, and seize deadly drugs. This reimbursement is a victory for those taxpayers."
— Greg Abbott, Texas Governor
Abbott said Texas is also seeking reimbursement from the U.S. Department of Justice for an additional $3 billion in border security spending, aiming for full repayment of the state's costs. Law enforcement officials argue continued funding is necessary due to ongoing national security threats and the need for resources for prosecutions, jails, and transportation.
Ongoing Debate Over Enforcement
Kinney County Sheriff Brad Coe told The Center Square that even as illegal crossings have declined, "we still have this massive cleanup to do," emphasizing the need for continued funding for jail facilities and transportation. Kinney County Attorney Brent Smith argued that successful prosecutions are more important than arrest numbers for deterrence, stating, "The only reason most people obey the law is the deterrence of punishment that results when it is violated."
Abbott has criticized the Biden administration for what he describes as a refusal to enforce federal immigration law, attributing the surge in unauthorized crossings to a lack of deterrence. The governor expanded OLS operations in September 2024 to target the Venezuelan criminal group Tren de Aragua and other transnational organizations. Since OLS began, more than half a million Venezuelan nationals have been apprehended by Border Patrol agents in Texas after entering the country illegally, according to The Center Square.
Federal and State Perspectives
The reimbursement follows months of lobbying by Abbott and Texas lawmakers. U.S. Sen. John Cornyn played a key role in securing the funding mechanism in federal legislation. While Abbott and state officials have framed the payment as overdue recognition of Texas' efforts, federal officials have not publicly addressed the criticism of immigration enforcement policies. The Biden administration has not issued a detailed response to Abbott's claims regarding federal enforcement or the state's expanded border operations.
Texas continues to allocate billions to border security, with recent state budget proposals dedicating more than $6 billion over two years. The state is awaiting a decision on its additional $3 billion reimbursement request from the Department of Justice.
