National Guard Border Deployments Cost Taxpayers Nearly Half a Billion Dollars
Congressional Budget Office analysis reveals full fiscal impact of 2025 military border operations
The CBO estimate captures both direct deployment costs and associated expenses including equipment, logistics, and personnel tempo impacts on Guard units activated for extended periods.
National Guard units from multiple states have been deployed to support border security operations, supplementing Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel.
The costs come on top of existing border security appropriations and represent additional fiscal burden on federal and state budgets.
Critics of the deployments argue the military is being used for a civilian law enforcement function at significant cost, while supporters contend the spending is necessary for national security.
The analysis may factor into upcoming budget negotiations as Congress considers appropriations for the next fiscal year.
Analysis
Why This Matters
This is real money—nearly $500 million that could fund other priorities. The CBO analysis provides concrete numbers for what has often been debated in abstract terms.
Background
Military deployments for border support have been controversial since they began. Guard members are pulled from civilian jobs and families, states bear some costs, and the military mission diverges from traditional defense roles.
Key Perspectives
Administration officials argue costs are justified by results. Fiscal conservatives may question ROI versus other border investments. Military families note the personal toll of extended activations.
What to Watch
How these numbers feature in budget debates, whether deployments continue at current pace, and state-level cost-sharing disputes.