The new Republican governor of Texas is spending a whopping $800 million for border security over the next two years, raising questions about his intentions.
The Associated Press reports that Gov. Greg Abbott more than doubled the amount spent by his predecessor, Rick Perry.
Included on the shopping list is a$7.5-million high-altitude plane designed to scan the border.
The spending is unprecedented by a border state, according to the AP.
Abbott said he is just protecting Texas residents from criminals such as dangerous cartel members.
“The first obligation of government is to keep people safe and that means ensuring that this ongoing cartel activity, which is not abating whatsoever, gains no root at all in the state of Texas,” Abbott said.