Texas wins $7.5 billion border reimbursement

The Trump administration approved a long-awaited $7.5 billion grant to reimburse Texas for border security spending during Joe Biden's presidency.

“Texas held the line when Washington would not.”

Operation Lone Star cost Texas $11 billion

Texas spent over $11 billion on border security through Operation Lone Star, funding wall construction, river buoys, fencing, and National Guard personnel.

Congress authorized reimbursement in July 2025

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law in early July 2025, contained $13.5 billion in grant money for state and local governments to apply for border reimbursement.

Delays frustrated Texas delegation

The Trump administration took 14 months to approve the reimbursement after Congress authorized it, frustrating Sen. John Cornyn who said getting the money felt like pulling teeth.

“pulling teeth”

Texas applied for $10 billion pot

DHS posted a notice of funding opportunity in June for $10 billion available to state governments. Texas applied and received $7.5 billion, or three-quarters of the available funds.

Reimbursement covers apprehensions and arrests

Texas sought reimbursement for over 530,000 apprehensions of undocumented immigrants, nearly 54,000 criminal arrests, and transportation of 120,000 migrants to other states.

Money factors into January budget planning

The $7.5 billion grant will be included in the state budget when the Texas Legislature convenes in January and in the comptroller's revenue estimate.