Additional Coverage:
- Texas Gov. Abbott asks government to reimburse state for $11B spent to secure southern border (foxnews.com)
Texas Governor Greg Abbott is demanding the federal government reimburse the state over $11.1 billion for border security costs. Abbott claims the Biden administration’s border policies forced Texas to take action.
In letters to Congress, Abbott blamed the Biden administration for a border crisis impacting the entire nation. He cited an influx of criminals, terrorists, and dangerous foreign groups.
Abbott launched Operation Lone Star in 2021, deploying the Texas National Guard and Department of Public Safety to the border. He credits the operation with an 87% reduction in illegal immigration.
The governor highlighted Operation Lone Star’s accomplishments, including apprehending over half a million illegal immigrants, seizing large amounts of fentanyl, and constructing border barriers.
Abbott argues Texas stepped in where the federal government failed, protecting the entire country. However, he emphasizes the high cost to Texas taxpayers, exceeding $11.1 billion.
He pointed out that Texas previously spent around $800 million every two years on border support, a figure dwarfed by the costs under the Biden administration. Abbott insists the federal government should shoulder this financial burden.
While House Republicans have previously attempted to secure reimbursement for Texas, these efforts have been unsuccessful.