Texas Governor Greg Abbott has formally requested that the federal government reimburse the state over $11.1 billion for expenses incurred securing the southern border during President Biden's term. In letters to Congressional members, Abbott asserted that the Biden administration's border policies have created a national crisis, necessitating Texas' intervention.

He highlighted the influx of dangerous individuals and groups, including the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, as a direct consequence of these policies. Abbott launched Operation Lone Star in March 2021, deploying the Texas National Guard and Department of Public Safety to address the situation.

According to Abbott, Operation Lone Star has significantly curbed illegal immigration into Texas and demonstrated the effectiveness of stricter border control measures. He credits the operation with apprehending over half a million illegal immigrants, thwarting over 140,000 illegal entry attempts, making over 50,000 criminal arrests, and seizing a substantial quantity of fentanyl. Further accomplishments include the construction of over 240 miles of border barriers and the establishment of a National Guard base on the Texas-Mexico border.

While emphasizing the operation's success, Abbott stressed the substantial financial burden on Texas taxpayers. He pointed out that the state's border security spending has drastically increased during the Biden administration compared to previous years. Abbott contends that this financial responsibility should fall on the federal government.

Although House Republicans have previously introduced bills seeking reimbursement for Texas, such legislation has yet to be passed.