Texas Governor Greg Abbott is intensifying his calls for Congress to reimburse the state for over $11 billion spent on border security during the Biden administration, emphasizing the substantial financial burden placed on Texas taxpayers. Abbott's appeal, articulated through letters sent to congressional leaders and the state's congressional delegation, is rooted in the extensive expenditures incurred under Operation Lone Star, the multifaceted border security initiative he launched back in 2021.
Operation Lone Star has seen collaboration between multiple state agencies, including the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Texas Military Department, with state troopers and National Guard personnel deployed to facilitate its operations. Abbott's requests coincide with recent discussions he had with House Speaker Mike Johnson about the urgent need for effective border control and security measures.
According to Abbott, the results of Operation Lone Star are notable. He states, “Under Operation Lone Star, state law enforcement has apprehended more than half a million undocumented immigrants, stopped more than 140,000 attempted illegal entries, arrested over 50,000 people, and seized more than half a billion doses of fentanyl.” These figures highlight the intense activity and perceived necessity of the initiatives aimed at controlling unauthorized immigration and related issues.
Abbott criticized the federal government's approach to border security, stating, “Even though the federal government has a duty to secure our nation's borders, from day one, former President Joe Biden refused to enforce federal immigration law and pursued reckless open-border policies.” His letter paints the initiation of Texas’s actions as necessary, stemming from what he describes as the federal government's failure.
The backdrop of these state initiatives includes numerous legal battles between Texas and the Biden administration related to border security and immigration policies. Abbott noted, “Operation Lone Star was required to combat the massive caravans, rampant vehicle pursuits, bailouts, human trafficking, stash house operations, property damage, and unsafe conditions for Texans living on the border.” Such vivid descriptions underline the urgency and complexity of the issues faced by those living near the Texas-Mexico border.
Support for Abbott's reimbursement proposal has emerged from other key political figures, including U.S. Senator John Cornyn, who underscored the importance of recognizing Texas taxpayers who footed the bill for Operation Lone Star. Cornyn stated, “Texas taxpayers who have been financing Operation Lone Star for four years cannot be forgotten. I will fight to include funds in Congress’ reconciliation legislation to reimburse Texas for its historic efforts to secure the border as a result of Biden’s complete and total absence and dereliction of duty.”
Abbott highlighted the financial dynamics before Biden's presidency, noting, “Before Biden's presidency, Texas spent $800 million per biennium to supplement federal efforts in securing the southern border.” This statistic aims to contextualize Texas's significant spending relative to its past budgetary commitments and the current need for federal assistance.
The call for reimbursement is not just about financial restoration; it also reflects broader themes of governance, accountability, and the balance of power between state and federal authorities. Abbott is urging Congress to recognize the extraordinary circumstances Texas finds itself in and to allocate funds as part of future federal budget discussions. With border control continuing to be a contentious issue, the dynamics of funding and policy decisions made by Congress are being brought to the forefront.
With bipartisan support from figures like Cornyn, the state is hoping the federal government will acknowledge its long-standing commitment to enhancing border security even as it navigates the complex relationship with federal immigration policies.