Texas Seeks Payment for Biden Era Immigration Expenses

November 19, 2025 – Texas’ Republican congressional delegation is pressing federal agencies to release more than $11 billion they say was earmarked to reimburse the state for border security costs incurred during the Biden administration. In a letter sent this week, the lawmakers argue that Texas bore an outsized financial burden responding to what they describe as unchecked illegal immigration and escalating drug trafficking along the southern border.

According to the delegation, Texas deployed thousands of state law enforcement officers, expanded National Guard operations, built physical barriers, and launched multi-agency interdiction efforts to stem the flow of migrants and narcotics. They maintain that these actions filled an enforcement gap left by federal authorities and therefore qualify for reimbursement under funding included in the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill.

The lawmakers say the bill specifically sets aside funds to repay Texas for money spent “protecting Americans” during the previous administration, and they contend that failure to release the funds would amount to ignoring both congressional intent and the state’s urgent financial needs. They also warn that without reimbursement, Texas could face significant strain as it continues to operate large-scale border enforcement initiatives.

Federal agencies have not publicly indicated when or whether the requested funds will be distributed, setting up a potential clash over how border security responsibilities—and costs—should be divided between state and federal governments.