Texas Senator Questions $11 Billion Price Tag of Operation Lone Star as Border Residents Speak Out Against "Invasion"

Texas has spent $11 billion on Operation Lone Star since 2021, funding border wall construction, razor wire installations, and a military base camp in Eagle Pass. The state's leading Republican in the Senate Committee on Border Security, Sen. Brian Birdwell, questioned the fiscal sustainability of the operation, alluding to potential future shortfalls and tough decisions ahead.

"How long can we do this?...That day will come when the comptroller tells us there's a (budget) shortfall; that means some tough decisions here." ~ Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, Chair of the Border Security Committee

Operation Lone Star leaders defended the operation, asserting their intention to maintain control of the border and expand their reach. They were joined by Gov. Greg Abbott's "border czar," Mike Banks, and Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steven McCraw, who shared concerns about a potential Democratic win in the upcoming presidential election.

"As we continue to gain operational control of our border with Mexico, we will maintain that control as we expand to control new areas." ~ Mike Banks, Gov. Abbott's "border czar"

During a committee hearing, border community residents, including Jessie Fuentes of Eagle Pass and Samantha Singleton of the Border Network for Human Rights, criticized the operation as an unwelcome militarized invasion, disrupting lives and ignoring humanitarian issues. They called for respect and decried the treatment of Hispanics with "brown skin."

"The decision of this legislative body, as well as Gov. Abbott, has disrupted the lives of thousands of border residents." ~ Samantha Singleton, Border Network for Human Rights

The hearing also covered various border-related legal proceedings, including lawsuits challenging Texas' use of concertina wire and defensive buoys, and the injunction against SB 4, the state's controversial immigration law. Aaron Nielson, Solicitor General in the Texas attorney general's office, predicted a lengthy legal battle over SB 4, potentially reaching the Supreme Court.

URLs:

• Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Birdwell
• Gov. Greg Abbott: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greg_Abbott
• Border Network for Human Rights: https://bnhr.org/