Governor Abbott Delivers Historic $7.5 Billion Border Security Reimbursement

September 18, 2026 | Austin, Texas | Press Release

Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has approved a historic $7.5 billion reimbursement to Texas for border security costs.

“I spoke with Secretary Mullin yesterday, who confirmed that the Department of Homeland Security will be sending Texas $7.5 billion as part of the federal funding to reimburse Texas,” said Governor Abbott. “Texas held the line when Washington would not. Texas taxpayers spent billions to stop illegal crossings, catch criminals, and seize deadly drugs. This reimbursement is a victory for those taxpayers. I thank President Trump and Secretary Mullin for this action.”

Operation Lone Star deployed thousands of Texas National Guard soldiers and Department of Public Safety troopers, built border barriers, and used technology to stop illegal crossings and interdict drugs. Under Operation Lone Star, illegal border crossings were reduced by more than 80%.

The award was approved under the State Border Security Reinforcement Fund created in the One Big Beautiful Bill. The Office of the Governor submitted Texas’ application to the Department of Homeland Security in June.

Texas is also applying for a portion of the additional $3 billion in Department of Justice funds to fully reimburse Texas for costs incurred due to the Biden Administration’s refusal to enforce federal immigration law.