The Senate Committee on Border Security convened on April 3, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding immigration enforcement and the state's ongoing Operation Lone Star. The meeting highlighted Texas's significant investment in border security, which many committee members view as a federal obligation. However, there is a consensus that law enforcement for crimes committed within Texas remains a state responsibility.

A key point of discussion was the potential winding down of certain immigration aspects of Operation Lone Star, contingent on increased federal involvement in immigration enforcement. Officials expressed uncertainty about how the Texas Division of Homeland Security would adjust its focus if federal resources were to increase. The division has historically scaled operations up and down based on the situation at the border, with the last four years seeing unprecedented levels of funding and resource allocation from various state agencies.

The committee noted that the financial burden of these operations has been substantial for Texas. The Office of Homeland Security has played a crucial role in coordinating efforts among different agencies, developing operational plans, and addressing the evolving threat environment at the border.

Currently, the homeland security bill under discussion primarily involves existing resources and contracts, with a significant portion allocated to Operation Lone Star. Officials expressed a desire for the Drawbridge operation, a component of this initiative, to eventually receive federal funding to alleviate state financial pressures.

As the meeting concluded, the committee underscored the importance of continued collaboration between state and federal entities to ensure effective border security while managing the associated costs. The discussions set the stage for future legislative actions aimed at addressing these pressing issues.