Latest news with #OperationLoneStar
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Texas' border wall plan appears to be facing a sad, silent death
Texas appears to have quietly stopped funding its plans to construct its own border wall with Mexico, which could mark the end of an embarrassing boondoggle designed to bolster one of President Donald Trump's early campaign slogans. For years, conservatives have framed the idea of a border wall as essential to immigration enforcement, despite a chorus of critics denouncing it as costly and ineffective. And Texas Republicans' decision to defund the project seems like a tacit acknowledgment of that reality. The Texas Tribune was first to report that a new state budget signed into law earlier this month includes no money for the wall, which was envisioned as covering more than 800 miles. But only a fraction of that was ever completed — at great cost to taxpayers. According to the Tribune: Four years after Gov. Greg Abbott announced Texas would be the first state to build its own border wall, lawmakers have quietly stopped funding the project, leaving only scattered segments covering a small fraction of the border. That decision, made in the waning hours of this year's legislative session, leaves the future of the state wall unclear. Just 8% of the 805 miles the state identified for construction is complete, which has cost taxpayers more than $3 billion to date. The Texas Tribune reported last year that the wall is full of gaps that migrants and smugglers can easily walk around and mostly concentrated on sprawling ranches in rural areas, where illegal border crossings are less likely to occur. Some Texas Republicans seem intent on spinning this retreat from their ill-conceived idea as a victory of sorts, or at least downplaying it as a sign of GOP backtracking. A spokesperson for Gov. Greg Abbott told the Tribune that the Trump administration's immigration crackdown has allowed the state to adjust its enforcement plans. And state Sen. Joan Huffman, the state's lead budget writer, told the outlet that rather than paying for the wall, the budget authorizes money for state entities that are aiding Abbott's immigration crusade: a controversial project known as Operation Lone Star, which also has been denounced as a tremendous waste of time and money. The idea of a 'big, beautiful wall' between the U.S. and Mexico has become deeply ingrained in the MAGA movement — Trump's followers have used chants and costumes to celebrate it. And yet, the idea appears dead as a doornail in Texas, a state virtually under total Republican control. And at this point, the scattered remains of the state's border wall seem like little more than shrines to the president's ignorant policies. This article was originally published on
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Texas Defunds Border Wall
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Texas lawmakers have decided to halt funding for new construction of the state's border wall. Why It Matters Only 65 miles of the planned 805 miles have been completed, with the project costing taxpayers more than $3 billion. The decision to stop funding new segments was made during the final hours of this year's legislative session. Texas Republicans appeared to end the funding without any public debate. A section of the border wall is pictured near La Grulla, Texas, on July 14, 2021. A section of the border wall is pictured near La Grulla, Texas, on July 14, 2021. Delcia Lopez/The Monitor via AP What To Know In President Donald Trump's first term, when wall construction was a key focus, his administration completed 21 miles of wall in Texas. In early June, lawmakers finalized the state budget, approving $3.4 billion for border security. Newsweek understands that no new wall projects will use state dollars. The majority of the funds will be allocated to the Department of Public Safety and the Texas National Guard, the agencies responsible for apprehending migrants as part of Governor Greg Abbott's Operation Lone Star. State Senator Joan Huffman, the state's lead budget writer, told Newsweek: "The Trump administration's policies have drastically reduced the number of illegal border crossings. However, the State of Texas is still allocating billions of dollars in the upcoming biennium to ensure that the state's southern border remains secure." In May 2025, Border Patrol recorded 8,725 encounters with individuals crossing the southwest border between ports of entry. This represents a 93 percent decrease compared to May 2024, when there were 117,905 such encounters. The numbers remain at historically low levels, indicating increased border security and control, along with notable operational effectiveness. Andrew Mahaleris, a senior Abbott aide, told Newsweek the Trump administration's effort to secure the border has enabled the state to make adjustments to how it allocates its resources. "Because of these renewed federal assets in Texas, our state can now adjust aspects of state-funded border security efforts," Mahaleris told Newsweek. "Specialized units within the Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas Military Department will carry on their missions both at the border and throughout Texas." According to the Texas Tribune, approximately 65 miles of border wall have been constructed in segments, primarily in the areas around Brownsville and El Paso. The Texas Facilities Commission, the state agency overseeing wall construction, said in January that its goal is to complete at least 100 miles of wall by the end of 2026. With $3 billion previously allocated by the Legislature, only enough funding remains to complete 83 miles—just 18 miles more than the 65 miles already built. In March 2021, Governor Abbott launched Operation Lone Star, a joint effort between the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Military Department aimed at curbing illegal immigration and strengthening border security with Mexico. The initiative has deployed thousands of Texas National Guard troops and law enforcement officers to the border and introduced physical deterrents, including razor wire fencing. In the Rio Grande, floating barriers equipped with saw-like metal plates have been installed to discourage crossings. The $11 billion program was the brainchild of Abbott, who has said he was left with no choice because of the Biden administration's border security policies. What People Are Saying Mahaleris told Newsweek: "Thanks to the Trump administration's border security efforts, total border security posture will remain at similar levels. Texas will continue to maintain a robust presence with our federal partners to arrest, jail, and deport illegal immigrants." Huffman told Newsweek: "Most of the state funds will support Operation Lone Star, including funding to support the personnel and technology needed along the border where interdictions often occur. Furthermore, appropriations available to the Facilities Commission in the current biennium will allow for continued work on the border wall through 2026 and will set the federal government up for success as they assume the project in future years. Texas will continue to work alongside the federal government to develop border security strategies that are focused on making our communities safer." What Happens Next The move could potentially lead to a spike in border crossings into Texas. Officials say maintaining a strong state presence will be key to preventing that outcome. As federal involvement increases, Texas plans to recalibrate its role while continuing to support enforcement and construction efforts along the border.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Texas stops providing new funding for border wall construction
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas has stopped putting new money toward building a U.S.-Mexico border wall, shifting course after installing only a fraction of the hundreds of miles of potential barrier that Republican Gov. Greg Abbott set out to construct four years ago. State lawmakers this month approved a new Texas budget that does not include continued funding for the wall, which had been a multibillion-dollar priority for Abbott as part of a sprawling immigration crackdown. He even took the unusual step of soliciting private donations for construction, saying in 2021 that many Americans wanted to help. On Tuesday, Abbott's office said President Donald Trump's aggressive efforts to curb immigration allowed the state to adjust. The halt in funding was first reported by The Texas Tribune. 'Thanks to President Trump's bold leadership, the federal government is finally fulfilling its obligation to secure the southern border and deport criminal illegal immigrants," Abbott spokesman Andrew Mahaleris said. 'Because of these renewed federal assets in Texas, our state can now adjust aspects of state-funded border security efforts.' The state has completed 65 miles (104 kilometers) of border wall since construction began. The Texas border with Mexico is roughly 1,200 miles (1,931 kilometers). The wall has gone up at a slow pace as the state has navigated the drawn-out process of buying private land and confronting local opposition in some places. Abbott announced plans for the wall at a time when large numbers of migrants were showing up at the border, saying in 2021 that he believed a combination of state-owned land and volunteered private property would "yield hundreds of miles to build a border wall.' The number of migrant crossings has fallen dramatically this year. 'There was no need for it in the first place,' said Scott Nicol, a board member for Friends of the Wildlife Corridor, a habitat preservation group in the Rio Grande Valley. He has criticized the wall as ineffective. "The only thing that's changed is the political dynamic,' he said. The new budget approved by Texas lawmakers allocates about $3.4 billion for border security for two years. That amount will not be used to build out new projects for the wall and instead go to the Texas Department of Safety and the Texas National Guard, the main agencies responsible for Operation Lone Star, Abbott's key immigration program launched in 2021 during the Biden administration. The money allocated for border security is nearly half the $6.5 billion that was dedicated to immigration efforts the last time lawmakers earmarked the state budget two years ago. Funds previously allocated for the wall will allow work on it to continue through 2026 and 'will set the federal government up for success,' said Republican Sen. Joan Huffman, the lead budget writer in the state Senate. The agency responsible for constructing the wall has about $2.5 billion remaining in funding to cover up to 85 additional miles (135 additional kilometers) of the wall by 2026, according to a statement made in April by Texas Facilities Commission executive director Mike Novak, whose agency is overseeing construction of the project. 'This wall should have never been built, it's useless,' said Bekah Hinojosa, co-founder of the South Texas Environmental Justice Network. "It divides our community.' ___ Lathan is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
3 days ago
- Business
Texas stops providing new funding for border wall construction
AUSTIN, Texas -- Texas has stopped putting new money toward building a U.S.-Mexico border wall, shifting course after installing only a fraction of the hundreds of miles of potential barrier that Republican Gov. Greg Abbott set out to construct four years ago. State lawmakers this month approved a new Texas budget that does not include continued funding for the wall, which had been a multibillion-dollar priority for Abbott as part of a sprawling immigration crackdown. He even took the unusual step of soliciting private donations for construction, saying in 2021 that many Americans wanted to help. On Tuesday, Abbott's office said President Donald Trump's aggressive efforts to curb immigration allowed the state to adjust. The halt in funding was first reported by The Texas Tribune. 'Thanks to President Trump's bold leadership, the federal government is finally fulfilling its obligation to secure the southern border and deport criminal illegal immigrants," Abbott spokesman Andrew Mahaleris said. 'Because of these renewed federal assets in Texas, our state can now adjust aspects of state-funded border security efforts.' The state has completed 65 miles (104 kilometers) of border wall since construction began. The Texas border with Mexico is roughly 1,200 miles (1,931 kilometers). The wall has gone up at a slow pace as the state has navigated the drawn-out process of buying private land and confronting local opposition in some places. Abbott announced plans for the wall at a time when large numbers of migrants were showing up at the border, saying in 2021 that he believed a combination of state-owned land and volunteered private property would "yield hundreds of miles to build a border wall.' The number of migrant crossings has fallen dramatically this year. 'There was no need for it in the first place,' said Scott Nicol, a board member for Friends of the Wildlife Corridor, a habitat preservation group in the Rio Grande Valley. He has criticized the wall as ineffective. "The only thing that's changed is the political dynamic,' he said. The new budget approved by Texas lawmakers allocates about $3.4 billion for border security for two years. That amount will not be used to build out new projects for the wall and instead go to the Texas Department of Safety and the Texas National Guard, the main agencies responsible for Operation Lone Star, Abbott's key immigration program launched in 2021 during the Biden administration. The money allocated for border security is nearly half the $6.5 billion that was dedicated to immigration efforts the last time lawmakers earmarked the state budget two years ago. Funds previously allocated for the wall will allow work on it to continue through 2026 and 'will set the federal government up for success,' said Republican Sen. Joan Huffman, the lead budget writer in the state Senate. The agency responsible for constructing the wall has about $2.5 billion remaining in funding to cover up to 85 additional miles (85 additional kilometers) of the wall by 2026, according to a statement made in April by Texas Facilities Commission executive director Mike Novak, whose agency is overseeing construction of the project. 'This wall should have never been built, it's useless,' said Bekah Hinojosa, co-founder of the South Texas Environmental Justice Network. "It divides our community.'
Winnipeg Free Press
3 days ago
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Texas stops providing new funding for border wall construction
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas has stopped putting new money toward building a U.S.-Mexico border wall, shifting course after installing only a fraction of the hundreds of miles of potential barrier that Republican Gov. Greg Abbott set out to construct four years ago. State lawmakers this month approved a new Texas budget that does not include continued funding for the wall, which had been a multibillion-dollar priority for Abbott as part of a sprawling immigration crackdown. He even took the unusual step of soliciting private donations for construction, saying in 2021 that many Americans wanted to help. On Tuesday, Abbott's office said President Donald Trump's aggressive efforts to curb immigration allowed the state to adjust. The halt in funding was first reported by The Texas Tribune. 'Thanks to President Trump's bold leadership, the federal government is finally fulfilling its obligation to secure the southern border and deport criminal illegal immigrants,' Abbott spokesman Andrew Mahaleris said. 'Because of these renewed federal assets in Texas, our state can now adjust aspects of state-funded border security efforts.' The state has completed 65 miles (104 kilometers) of border wall since construction began. The Texas border with Mexico is roughly 1,200 miles (1,931 kilometers). The wall has gone up at a slow pace as the state has navigated the drawn-out process of buying private land and confronting local opposition in some places. Abbott announced plans for the wall at a time when large numbers of migrants were showing up at the border, saying in 2021 that he believed a combination of state-owned land and volunteered private property would 'yield hundreds of miles to build a border wall.' The number of migrant crossings has fallen dramatically this year. 'There was no need for it in the first place,' said Scott Nicol, a board member for Friends of the Wildlife Corridor, a habitat preservation group in the Rio Grande Valley. He has criticized the wall as ineffective. 'The only thing that's changed is the political dynamic,' he said. The new budget approved by Texas lawmakers allocates about $3.4 billion for border security for two years. That amount will not be used to build out new projects for the wall and instead go to the Texas Department of Safety and the Texas National Guard, the main agencies responsible for Operation Lone Star, Abbott's key immigration program launched in 2021 during the Biden administration. The money allocated for border security is nearly half the $6.5 billion that was dedicated to immigration efforts the last time lawmakers earmarked the state budget two years ago. Funds previously allocated for the wall will allow work on it to continue through 2026 and 'will set the federal government up for success,' said Republican Sen. Joan Huffman, the lead budget writer in the state Senate. The agency responsible for constructing the wall has about $2.5 billion remaining in funding to cover up to 85 additional miles (85 additional kilometers) of the wall by 2026, according to a statement made in April by Texas Facilities Commission executive director Mike Novak, whose agency is overseeing construction of the project. 'This wall should have never been built, it's useless,' said Bekah Hinojosa, co-founder of the South Texas Environmental Justice Network. 'It divides our community.' ___ Lathan is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
