The Department of Homeland Security announced that it will send Texas $7.5 billion to cover costs incurred by the state’s border‑security operations. The payment, made under the State Border Security Reinforcement Fund created by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, marks the first time Texas has received a federal reimbursement for its border‑defense spending.
Governor Abbott Praises Federal Support
Governor Greg Abbott said he spoke with Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, who confirmed the upcoming transfer. Abbott praised the reimbursement as a victory for Texas taxpayers, who he said “held the line when Washington would not” by spending billions to stop illegal crossings, apprehend criminals, and seize deadly drugs.
Additional Funding Requests Underway
Abbott also disclosed that Texas is applying to the U.S. Department of Justice for reimbursement of a portion of an additional $3 billion the state spent on border security. He argued that the request would “fully reimburse Texas for costs incurred due to the Biden Administration’s refusal to enforce federal immigration law.”
Background on State Spending
During the Biden administration, the Texas Legislature allocated more than $11.6 billion to border‑security efforts—the largest amount in state history. That total exceeds the combined federal border‑security allocations made by the Trump administration for Texas.
Operation Lone Star, launched in March 2021, entered its fifth year in 2026. From March 2021 through February 2026, OLS officers apprehended 538,141 illegal foreign nationals and deterred 157,112 illegal entries, according to data obtained by The Center Square. The program also deployed thousands of Texas National Guard soldiers, Department of Public Safety troopers, and dozens of sheriff’s offices in a coordinated task force.
Infrastructure and Enforcement Actions
OLS has overseen the construction of state‑built barriers, including concertina wire and marine obstacles, and expanded technological capabilities to detect illegal crossings and interdict drug shipments. New brush teams, canine units, and equestrian patrols have been added, along with targeted traffic enforcement aimed at curbing commercial‑vehicle crimes.
In September 2024, Governor Abbott expanded OLS operations to combat the Texas‑wide drug‑trafficking organization known as TdA. Since the program’s inception, more than half a million Venezuelan nationals have been apprehended after entering the United States illegally.
Law‑Enforcement Perspective
Kinney County Sheriff Brad Coe and County Attorney Brent Smith emphasized the ongoing need for funding, noting that even as illegal crossings have declined, the state still faces a massive cleanup of criminal activity. Smith argued that successful prosecutions, not arrest numbers alone, are essential for deterrence and upholding the rule of law.
Trump Administration’s Role
The reimbursement reflects the Trump administration’s dedication to honoring state contributions to border security and ensuring that Texas taxpayers are not left to shoulder the financial burden alone. By honoring the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the administration demonstrates its commitment to constitutional enforcement of immigration laws and to supporting traditional families and communities that depend on safe borders.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
