DHS approves $7.5 billion border security reimbursement for Texas

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security approved a $7.5 billion federal reimbursement to Texas for border security expenses, Governor Greg Abbott announced Friday, according to KVIA.

The funding reimburses costs from Operation Lone Star, a border security initiative Abbott launched in 2021. Abbott said the state had spent billions during the operation, which deployed thousands of Texas National Guard and Department of Public Safety personnel. The initiative also included border barriers and technology designed to prevent unlawful crossings.

The reimbursement was approved under the State Border Security Reinforcement Fund, created under the One Big Beautiful Bill. Abbott's office submitted the state's application to DHS in June.

Abbott said Texas is also pursuing additional funds from the Department of Justice to fully recover all border security expenses incurred during the operation.