Texas Governor Greg Abbott Calls on Congress to Repay Border Defense Costs
January 24, 2025 – Texas Governor Greg Abbott has formally called on the U.S. Congress to provide reimbursement for the substantial expenses Texas has incurred in addressing the ongoing border crisis. Abbott has argued that Texas has taken extraordinary measures to secure the border in the absence of sufficient federal action. These measures include deploying the Texas National Guard and Department of Public Safety officers, constructing physical barriers, and implementing operations aimed at curbing illegal immigration and drug trafficking. Abbott contends that these efforts, while essential, have placed an immense financial strain on the state’s budget.
“President Biden’s policies left Texas and the rest of America defenseless against an unprecedented infiltration of violent criminals, known terrorists, and other hostile foreign actors, like the dangerous Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua,” reads the letters. “I launched Operation Lone Star (OLS) to combat these threats to all Americans. Over the past four years, OLS efforts successfully reduced illegal immigration into Texas by 87%, demonstrated the ongoing effectiveness of President Donald Trump’s border measures, and shone a spotlight on a national crisis. In total, Texas has spent over $11.1 billion to protect the nation and secure the border. Accordingly, I am formally requesting that the federal government reimburse Texas for these costs in full.”
Governor Abbott asserts that securing the border is primarily a federal responsibility under the Constitution. However, given the perceived inaction of federal authorities, Texas has had to act independently to safeguard its residents and uphold national security. Abbott’s request emphasizes that these expenditures have not only benefited Texas but also served to protect other states from the ripple effects of unchecked illegal immigration, such as the spread of illicit drugs and human trafficking.
The governor has highlighted that Texas taxpayers have borne billions of dollars in costs to address what he describes as a federally created crisis. He has urged Congress to allocate funds specifically to reimburse the state, arguing that it is both a matter of fairness and a practical necessity to ensure the sustainability of Texas’s border security operations.
Abbott’s appeal comes amidst growing political tensions over immigration policies, with Republicans and Democrats divided over the best approach to manage the border. While some lawmakers agree with Abbott’s call for federal reimbursement, others criticize his administration’s policies, questioning their effectiveness and humanitarian impact. The debate underscores the broader national challenges in achieving bipartisan solutions to immigration and border security.
