Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
According to the budget passed in June 2025, Texas lawmakers have removed new state funding for the U.S.–Mexico border wall from the upcoming fiscal plan. This decision effectively halts the expansion of the state-funded barrier system. According to the appropriations bill, approximately $3.4 billion will be allocated over two years for border security efforts, with funding directed toward the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Texas National Guard under Operation Lone Star, rather than for additional wall construction.
According to Governor Greg Abbott’s office, the state no longer needs to lead wall-building efforts because the federal government, under the Trump administration, is now actively working to secure the border. Abbott’s office noted that Texas had added approximately 65 miles of barrier since 2021. According to state documents, the solicitation of private donations for wall funding has also been discontinued, as the state faced prolonged land acquisition issues and community and environmental opposition.
According to the Texas Facilities Commission, while new wall funding has been withdrawn, about $2.5 billion in previously allocated funds remain available to complete up to 85 more miles of barrier by 2026.
According to legislative budget records, this change represents a shift in strategy from the $11 billion Operation Lone Star initiative launched in 2021. Lawmakers reduced roughly $3 billion in spending during the most recent budget cycle, primarily through ending wall-related appropriations and adjusting other border security items. Despite these cuts, about $1.2 billion will still be allocated to DPS for ongoing enforcement operations along the border.
According to supporters such as state Senator Joan Huffman, the changes reflect a fiscally responsible approach in light of falling migrant apprehension numbers and increased federal enforcement activity. According to Operation Lone Star planning documents, the Texas National Guard will remain actively engaged in mobile enforcement operations as part of the program’s evolving mission.
