Texas Secures $7.5 Billion Federal Reimbursement for Border Security

Texas Secures $7.5 Billion Federal Reimbursement for Border Security

'Texas held the line when Washington would not.'

Raeylee Barefield
Raeylee Barefield
September 21, 2026

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) announced that the Department of Homeland Security approved $7.5 billion to reimburse the state for border security costs incurred through Operation Lone Star.

How much will Texas receive?

DHS approved a $7.5 billion reimbursement to Texas through the State Border Security Reinforcement Fund, which was created under the One Big Beautiful Bill. The Office of the Governor submitted Texas' application to DHS in June.

Gov. Abbott said the funding will reimburse Texas taxpayers for costs associated with the state's border security efforts.

Gov. Greg Abbott: "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."

What did Operation Lone Star fund?

Operation Lone Star deployed Texas National Guard soldiers and Department of Public Safety troopers, while also funding border barriers and technology used in border security operations.

According to Abbott's office, illegal border crossings declined by more than 80% under the operation.

Texas had previously reported spending more than $10 billion on border security since Operation Lone Star began in 2021. The state submitted documentation seeking federal reimbursement for those costs in June.

Could Texas receive more funding?

Texas is also seeking a portion of an additional $3 billion in Department of Justice funding to reimburse other border security expenses, according to Abbott's office.

The governor has argued that the state incurred those costs because the federal government did not adequately enforce immigration laws during the Biden administration.

Raeylee Barefield

Raeylee Barefield

Raeylee Barefield is a Legislative Correspondent based in Austin, Texas, specializing in state government and public policy. With one year of reporting under her belt, she covers legislative developments, committee hearings, and policy debates. She has been cited by Texas Politics and Big Energy for her coverage and analysis of legislative and regulatory issues. Her reporting typically focuses on Public policy, Stare government, environmental policy, and energy regulation. To contact her, please reach out at [email protected]

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