In a recent meeting between President Donald Trump and Governor Greg Abbott, discussions centered around improving border security and addressing the growing challenges at the U.S.-Mexico border. Governor Abbott specifically called on the federal government to reimburse the state of Texas for the $6 billion spent on border security measures during the Biden administration’s term.
Abbott’s request: $11B reimbursement for state border efforts
Governor Abbott argued that the funds spent by Texas were necessary investments in securing the border—efforts that would eventually have been handled by the federal government if not for the state’s proactive approach. He outlined that these efforts included the construction of additional sections of the border wall, as well as the deployment of military personnel, Department of Public Safety officers, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to the border region.
In exchange for this reimbursement, Abbott proposed that Texas offer what he described as a “valuable real estate asset” that could support federal efforts. He suggested that Texas could house up to 2,500 federal agents from various agencies, such as the military, ICE, Border Patrol, and other law enforcement, at housing facilities on military bases in Eagle Pass and Del Rio. Abbott also mentioned that the state has approximately 4,000 prison cells available, which the federal government could utilize for its operations.
According to Abbott, the combined value of this “real estate” is close to $6 billion requested in reimbursement, essentially providing a trade that would benefit both state and federal efforts to secure the border.
Preparing for increased border activity
Abbott stressed that the situation at the border remains critical and that the U.S. should be prepared for a potential increase in activity, especially in light of the ongoing crackdown by federal authorities. He pointed to several incidents during the Biden administration where Texas law enforcement and National Guard members were targeted by gunfire and drones across the border, illustrating the increasing danger posed by cartel activity.
“Before President Trump was elected for this second term, during the Biden administration, both Texas law enforcement and Texas National Guard had been fired upon across the border—had encountered drones across the border... And now, with this crackdown, that exacerbates the situation with the cartels... And there is every expectation that they’re going to elevate their level of activity,” Abbott said.
Ongoing efforts to secure federal support
Governor Abbott revealed that he has also raised this issue with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and other members of Congress. He emphasized that he plans to return to Washington next week to continue discussing the matter with lawmakers, advocating for further federal support to strengthen border security.
As the debate over border security intensifies, Abbott’s request highlights the ongoing strain on state resources and the need for a more coordinated federal-state partnership in addressing one of the country’s most pressing issues.
