The governor said the costs “fell squarely on the shoulders of Texas taxpayers but should have been the federal government’s responsibility.”

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.

In a letter to U.S. congressional leaders, the governor blamed previous border security policy for leaving Texas “defenseless,” forcing state officials to spend billions.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott wants Congress to reimburse Texas for more than $11 billion spent on border security during the Biden administration. The governor said his Operation Lone Star initiatives are behind the money spent.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday called on Congress to reimburse Texas for its border security operation, Operation Lone Star.