3 days ago
Texas Defunds Border Wall
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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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.
