GOVERNOR GREG ABBOTT April 26,2021 Dear Judge: 1am writing regarding the costs that counties ae incurring de othe ongoing humanitarian cvsis at our southem border Even though the federal goverment has the duty to secure the Son the recent surge nlegal border rosings has forest the Stat nd local govemments to Allocate resources and spend money to dal wit he fallout ofthe border exis. have heard from many counties about the challenges they are facing from the surg in illegal border crossings. Several counties have declared local disasters. Other counties have been ‘working around the clock in response to the federal government opening migrant facilities in ‘heir counties, At the state level, I launched Operation Lone Star, through which the State is spending millions 6f dollars each week on National Guard and Depariment of Public Safety troopers. In addition, State agencies have received complaints about mistreatment of unaccompanied minors housed in federally run Facilities for unaccompanied migrant children, Because the burden ofthese extra costs rect result of federal polis, the State of Texas ‘il formally request tht the federal goverment pay in ul these Cos bormeby the Sate and Inca governments As the chief execuive officers for your respective counties, {sk tht you $end ny office a full and accurate estmate ofthe fiscal impact the cuent borders shaving ono ound te costo hve incr an tha yo expe wines Theo an be bolstered it your Commissioners Court adopts resoltion supporing the Stl’ s request for eer ands to remburne the State nd local government or eases need becase of the federal government's border policies ‘Securing the border isthe federal government's responsibility, but the current crisis has placed a costly burden on the State of Texas and on our local governments. I songly believe that your county, our state, and our fellow Texans should not be forced to shoulder these costs, and that the federal government should reimburse us in full, ‘Thank you for considering this request and for your leadership during the ongoing border crisis. Sincerely, tty, tihdag Greg Abbott Governor Gaccwd Pos Ovnce Box 1228 Austin, Texas 771 12-465.200 (Voce) Dia 7-44 Fox RELAY Sexvices