Texas will receive $7.5 billion from the federal government to reimburse the state for border security expenses incurred under Operation Lone Star, Gov. Greg Abbott announced Friday.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security approved the reimbursement through the State Border Security Reinforcement Fund, which Congress created in 2025 to repay states and local governments for immigration enforcement and border-security expenses. Texas has spent more than $11 billion on Operation Lone Star since the initiative began in 2021.
“Texas held the line when Washington would not,” Abbott said. “Texas taxpayers spent billions to stop illegal crossings, catch criminals, and seize deadly drugs. This reimbursement is a victory for those taxpayers.”
Operation Lone Star has funded Texas National Guard deployments, Department of Public Safety operations, border barriers and other enforcement efforts along the Texas-Mexico border. Texas had sought reimbursement for a wide range of costs, including personnel, fencing and migrant transportation.
The $7.5 billion represents three-quarters of the $10 billion DHS reimbursement fund available to states. Texas could receive additional money through a separate $3.5 billion Department of Justice fund for immigration-related law enforcement expenses.
The influx of federal money could also significantly affect the state budget when the Texas Legislature returns to Austin in January 2027, as lawmakers decide how to account for the reimbursement in the next spending plan and consider plans to cut property taxes.