Illegal immigration is costing U.S. taxpayers a staggering $150.7 billion annually, according to data shared by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The revelation, posted on X and endorsed by Musk, highlights the growing financial toll of undocumented immigration and adds fuel to the heated debate over government spending and border control.
“In 2023 alone, illegal immigration cost taxpayers $150.7 billion,” DOGE posted, referencing a controversial report from the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR). Musk amplified the claim, commenting, “The scale of spending on illegal immigration boggles the mind!”
The Numbers Behind the Controversy
The $150.7 billion figure includes costs tied to welfare, medical care, education, and justice enforcement for undocumented immigrants. Critics argue that FAIR, the source of the report, overestimates these numbers and has connections to controversial organizations. Despite these critiques, the figure has gained traction, appearing in a May House Budget Committee hearing as an example of illegal immigration’s fiscal impact.
Proponents of stricter immigration controls point to the data as proof of the urgent need for reform. Opponents, however, counter that such reports ignore the economic contributions of undocumented immigrants, including their roles in key industries and the taxes they pay.
Musk’s Role in the Debate
As an immigrant entrepreneur, Musk’s vocal opposition to illegal immigration carries unique weight. His stance aligns with former President Donald Trump’s hardline “America First” policies, appealing to working-class Hispanic voters in regions like Cameron County, Texas.
Cameron County, home to Musk’s SpaceX Starbase, exemplifies Musk’s dual impact on local economies and politics. Once a Democratic stronghold, the county flipped Republican in the 2024 election, with Donald Trump capturing 53% of the vote. Musk’s influence, both economic and ideological, played a key role.
“Elon has pretty much dictated all that happens out here,” said Deborah Bell, chair of the Cameron County Republican Party.
Economic Transformation and Tensions
Musk’s ventures in Cameron County have created over 3,400 direct jobs at SpaceX and indirectly supported more than 21,000 additional positions. While the region has benefited from higher wages and increased opportunities, the rapid development has driven up housing costs, leading to mixed reactions among residents.
“There is this aspiration that he’s taking Cameron County, one of the poorest in the U.S., to Mars with him,” said Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera, a political science professor at George Mason University.
Despite economic gains, the region remains divided on Musk’s role. While some view him as a visionary leader, others see his influence as exacerbating economic inequality and political polarization.
A Polarizing Issue
The $150.7 billion figure underscores broader national debates about illegal immigration. Advocates of reform argue for a path to citizenship and better worker protections, while critics push for stricter enforcement to curb costs. Musk’s involvement in exposing inefficiencies adds a new dimension to the already contentious issue.
As Musk continues to reshape Cameron County and expand his political footprint, his stance on immigration is likely to remain a focal point of national discourse. Whether his influence will drive meaningful reform or deepen existing divides remains an open question.