DHS approves $7.5 billion border security reimbursement for Texas

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security approved a $7.5 billion federal funding reimbursement to Texas for border security costs, Governor Greg Abbott announced Friday.

The reimbursement was for Operation Lone Star, a border security initiative Gov. Abbott launched in 2021. He said taxpayers "spent billions" during border security efforts.

Thousands of Texas National Guard and Department of Public Safety personnel were deployed. The initiative also called for border barriers and technology to stop unlawful crossings.

DHS approved the reimbursement under the State Border Security Reinforcement Fund created n the One Big Beautiful Bill.

Gov. Abbott said his office submitted Texas' application to the DHS in June.

The governor said the state is also seeking funds from the Department of Justice to fully recover border security expenses.