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The new Texas State budget is reducing spending on border security. The new budget allocates only $3.4 billion for border security efforts, down from the previous $6.5 billion that was allocated in the state's last budget.
One of the primary reasons for the dip in funding is the fact that Texas will no longer be working to construct a border wall. Over the last few years, Texas alone built a total of 65 miles of border wall along the state's 1,200-mile border with Mexico.
Terrell County Sheriff Thaddeus Cleveland said that construction has been a massive help. He said, "We're looking at the last year, year and a half, of the fence being built, and 65 miles, that's a good amount."
Cleveland went on to add that with the Trump administration once again taking the lead on border security, it's a good idea for Texas to cut back on its border spending. He said, "We can spend that money in different locations other than border security, because now we have a president that is actually fulfilling the government's role, and being responsible for the U.S.-Mexico border."
The $3.4 billion that Texas will be spending on border security will be given primarily to Texas DPS, the Texas National Guard, and other agencies who have been at the forefront of Operation Lone Star.
Sheriff Cleveland applauded that move as well, saying, "In addition to DPS and Texas military forces that are still deployed out on the border, helping out the local law enforcement will be key with that funding."
He said the partnership between Texas DPS, the National Guard, and the Border Patrol has been key to keeping Texas and the rest of the United States safe, and this continued funding will allow them to remain ready to respond to any issues at the border.