Texas Secures $7.5 Billion Federal Reimbursement for Border Operations
Governor Greg Abbott received a $7.5 billion check from the Department of Homeland Security to offset costs incurred during Operation Lone Star, the state’s border-security effort.
During a ceremony at the governor’s mansion, Greg Abbott accepted a $7.5 billion reimbursement from the Department of Homeland Security for Texas’s role in Operation Lone Star, which began in 2021 to bolster the southern border. The initiative deployed Texas National Guard soldiers and Department of Public Safety troopers, and the governor’s office claims it cut illegal crossings by 80% during that period. Abbott noted that Texas received 75% of the money allocated in the State Border Security Reinforcement Fund, a program created by Congress under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
He also indicated that the state expects a further $3 billion from the Department of Justice, bringing total federal repayment to $10 billion. Highlighting the political timing, Abbott linked the funds to his upcoming midterm campaign, criticizing the Biden administration’s border policies and emphasizing the financial relief for Texas taxpayers. A recent poll showed 52% of Texans approve of Abbott’s performance, matching the support level over Democratic challenger Gina Hinojosa.
Why it matters
The reimbursement eases Texas’s budget burden for border security and underscores political tensions over federal immigration policy ahead of midterm elections.
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