State Leaders Approve More Money for Security at Southern Border

AUSTIN (WBAP/KLIF) – State leaders have allocated more money for border security.

Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker Dade Phelan, Senate Finance Committee Chair Joan Huffman, and House Appropriations Committee Chair Dr. Greg Bonnen approved the transfer of $495.3 million to continue funding Operation Lone Star and critical border operations at other state agencies. Of those funds, $465.3 million will support the deployment of the Texas National Guard. This funding will address immediate border security needs while future funding needed to protect Texans continues to be evaluated.

“Texas will not sit on the sidelines as President Biden continues turning a blind eye to the crisis at our southern border,” said Governor Abbott. “Texans’ safety and security is our top priority, and we will continue fighting to keep our communities safe. This additional funding ensures the Lone Star State is fully equipped to provide Texans the border security strategy they demand and deserve.”

Governor Abbott, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Texas National Guard continue to work together to secure the border.

According to Abbott, since the launch of Operation Lone Star, multi-agency efforts have led to more than 239,849 migrant apprehensions, along with more than 14,364 criminal arrests — and more than 11,666 felony charges. Over 4,710 weapons and almost $37 million in currency have been seized. In the fight against fentanyl, DPS has seized over 342 million lethal doses throughout the state.