AUSTIN, Texas (KETK) — An East Texas representative is now demanding that Congress reimburse the State of Texas $11 billion for costs spent on securing the southern border.
State Rep. Cole Hefner (R-Mount Pleasant) said policies set by former President Joe Biden and his administration led to historic levels of illegal immigration along the southern border that has burdened Texas with crime and drained resources intended for American citizens.
Due the federal government’s failure to secure the border, Hefner said, Texas spent at least $11 billion since 2021 to secure the border through Operation Lone Star. Hefner cites that, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol reported at least eight million southwest border encounters from Jan. 2021 to present.
“Today I filed HCR 51 demanding that Congress reimburse the State of Texas for at least $11 billion in costs incurred in pursuit of border security. The border policies of the Biden administration have been disastrous for Americans. While his demonstration made every effort to degrade our safety and security, Texas stepped up to do the job and protect our border. Texans should not bear this financial burden caused by irresponsible decisions and failed policies from Washington D.C.
I am grateful that President Trump has visited Texas multiple times and clearly recognizes the responsibility of the federal government to secure the border. I look forward to working with President Trump as we continue to implement policies at the state and federal level that will make out country safe and secure.”
Rep. Cole Hefner
Gov. Greg Abbott and U.S. Senator John Cornyn also shared similar remarks, saying Texas taxpayers are paying the bill due to the Biden’s administration’s refusal to do its job for the last four years.
“No state has had to bear the brunt of the Biden-Harris border crisis more than Texas, and under the leadership of Governor Abbott, the State of Texas launched a historic border mission to protect Texans—and all Americans—and defend our southern border,” Cornyn said.
