Texas to receive $7.5 billion federal reimbursement for border security

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has approved $7.5 billion to reimburse the state of Texas for costs incurred during its border security efforts, specifically under Operation Lone Star.

Governor Greg Abbott stated that he intends to use as much of the reimbursement as possible to provide property tax relief for Texans, while ensuring sufficient funds remain to support ongoing border security operations. Abbott noted that the final allocation of the funds will be determined in coordination with state lawmakers.

Operation Lone Star, a massive state-led effort to combat illegal immigration and transnational crime, has cost Texas more than $11 billion. The reimbursement follows significant political tension between the state and federal government regarding border enforcement and jurisdiction.