Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has asked the federal government to reimburse his state for the more than $11 billion of taxpayer money it has spent on border security over the past four years.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) wants Congress to reimburse his state for more than $11 billion spent on border security since the start of the Biden administration.

Texas Governor Abbott orders state agencies to work with the Trump administration to enforce border security and immigration laws.

AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott asked Congress to reimburse the state for billions of dollars in Texas taxpayer money spent on border security during former President Joe Biden’s administration. In letters Thursday to congressional leaders and the state delegation, Abbott requested more than $11 billion from Washington.

The Republican governor blamed the just-ended presidency of Democrat Joe Biden for the state having to step up to secure its border with Mexico.

When Donald Trump takes control of the White House on Monday, he will inherit something his voters hardly would have expected during a long campaign of berating outgoing President Joe Biden on immigration: a U.S.-Mexico border with the lowest number of illegal crossings in five years.

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The Texas governor said the additional troops will work alongside federal border agents as part of Trump's efforts to seize the offensive.

Greg Abbott's orders are focused on strengthening border security, and include assisting with migrant arrests and looking for land for the government to lease.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said the additional troops will work alongside federal border agents amid the Trump administration's crackdown on immigrants.

As president, Trump will likely have the final say in whether or not to grant Abbott’s request for a full reimbursement for Operation Lone Star.