WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has awarded Texas $7.5 billion to reimburse the state for border security expenses incurred during Joe Biden’s presidency, ending a more than yearlong wait for the federal funds.
The Department of Homeland Security approved the grant Thursday, Gov. Greg Abbott announced Friday. The funding comes from the State Border Security Reinforcement Fund created under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which Congress approved in 2025.
Texas spent more than $11 billion on border security through Abbott’s Operation Lone Star, which began in 2021. The program funded border barriers, fencing, river buoys and deployments of Texas National Guard soldiers and Department of Public Safety personnel.
Abbott said Texas sought reimbursement for those costs after the state spent billions on border security during the Biden administration.
“I spoke with Secretary [Markwayne] 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,” Abbott said.
The federal government created the reimbursement program in the 2025 law, which authorized $13.5 billion for state governments. DHS later opened a $10 billion grant program for states, with Texas expected to receive the largest share.
Texas sought reimbursement for border operations
Texas submitted its application to DHS in June 2026. The state sought reimbursement for projects and operations that included border barriers near Eagle Pass, personnel costs associated with more than 530,000 apprehensions and nearly 54,000 criminal arrests, and the transportation of nearly 120,000 migrants to other states after federal authorities processed and released them.
The state estimated the programs covered in its application cost about $10 billion. Some of the Operation Lone Star activities began in 2021 and continued into 2026.
The $7.5 billion award represents three-quarters of the $10 billion DHS fund. Sen. John Cornyn previously said Abbott and DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin negotiated the amount.
The delay frustrated members of Texas’ congressional delegation. Cornyn, Rep. August Pfluger and Sen. Ted Cruz had urged federal officials to release the funds and reimburse Texas for the money it spent on border security.
A separate Department of Justice program provides $3.5 billion for immigration-related law enforcement activities, including reimbursement for certain expenses incurred during Biden’s presidency.
The $7.5 billion reimbursement will also affect Texas’ state budget planning. Lawmakers can account for the federal funds as they prepare the next state budget, while the comptroller’s revenue estimate typically arrives in January.
