AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott asked Congress to reimburse the state for billions of dollars in Texas taxpayer money spent on border security during former President Joe Biden’s administration. In letters Thursday to congressional leaders and the state delegation, Abbott requested more than $11 billion from Washington.

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.