The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has approved approximately $7.5 billion in reimbursement for Texas's border security costs, according to Texas Comptroller Don Huffines. The funds come from the State Border Security Reinforcement Fund, a DHS program created in 2025 to repay states that covered border security costs the federal government did not.
Texas sought reimbursement for costs incurred since 2021 under Operation Lone Star, including deploying Texas National Guard and Department of Public Safety personnel, erecting border barrier construction, and funding related operations. The money has not yet been transferred to the state but will be deposited into the state treasury once received.
Huffines said the reimbursement covers only direct border security operations. He stated the state has incurred additional costs for education, incarceration, emergency healthcare and other services related to immigration issues that remain outstanding.
Once received, the reimbursement will be available for appropriation by the Texas Legislature when it convenes in January 2027, according to the comptroller's office.