TEXAS  — Texas has spent about $150 million busing migrant out of the state, and taxpayers have been on the hook for the majority.

That’s according to a new report from CNN that cites a review of state records.

What You Need To Know

  • Texas has so far spent about $150 million busing migrants to Democrat-led cities, records show

  • A report from CNN says that private donations have covered less than 1% of that 

  • About two years ago, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, while announcing he was soliciting private donations, said there would likely "be no cost to the state"

  • Abbott recently said Texas has bused more than 105,000 migrants 

CNN reported that approximately two years ago, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced he was soliciting private donations in order to move migrants from the state to Democrat-led cities. He said there would likely “be no cost to the state.”

State records show that has not been the case. CNN said the operation has collected less than half of 1% of the $150 million spent. Further, the largest donation—$900,00—never materialized because “it was a mistake or a prank,” the report states.

On March 12, Abbott reported on X, formerly Twitter, that the state has transported more than 105,000 migrants to “sanctuary cites.” Those cities include New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Denver and Los Angeles.

CNN reported that at most, about $550,000 has been raised via private donations for the program. Those donations have been submitted online or through mail by credit card or bank transfer. The funds reported by the state were not actually received by the state, meaning the data could contain donations that were rejected by banks or credit companies during processing.

The busing program has been controversial. Leaders in Chicago and New York, for example, have been overwhelmed trying to house and care for migrants. Mayors have pleaded for more federal help.

Chicago has had a hard time finding space and has relied on using police stations, airports and city buses as short-term solutions.

Abbott argues the busing program is necessary because of President Joe Biden’s neglect and that Texas disproportionately shoulders the burden of the dramatic uptick in border crossings.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.