Texas Secures $7.5 Billion Federal Reimbursement for Border Security

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.

Yesterday, I spoke with Homeland Security Secretary Mullin, who confirmed that Texas will receive $7.5 BILLION as part of the federal funding to reimburse our border security costs.

Texas held the line when Washington would not. Now, Washington is reimbursing Texas taxpayers for… pic.twitter.com/bLjXm2YyHE

— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) September 18, 2026

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.