Elon Musk's expanding influence on American politics, economics, and immigration is taking center stage as his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) reveals a striking figure: illegal immigration costs U.S. taxpayers $150.7 billion annually. The figure, highlighted in a recent post on X, adds fuel to a politically charged conversation on government spending and border control.
"In 2023 alone, illegal immigration cost taxpayers $150.7 billion," the DOGE account posted, referencing a controversial report from the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR). The figure, if accurate, equates to about 19% of the U.S. defense budget and 2.4% of total federal spending. Musk himself shared the post, adding, "The scale of spending on illegal immigration boggles the mind!"
In 2023 alone, illegal immigration cost taxpayers $150.7 billion. To put this in context with other costs (adjusted for inflation):
-World War I: $334 billion
-Apollo Space Program: $257 billion
-Manhattan Project: $30 billion
-Panama Canal: $15.2 billion
-Hoover Dam: $1… — Department of Government Efficiency (@DOGE) December 3, 2024
Musk's prominence in this debate is amplified by his role in reshaping the economy and politics of Cameron County, Texas, where his SpaceX operations have left an indelible mark. His arrival over a decade ago to build the Starbase launch site at Boca Chica Beach has not only transformed the county economically but also politically.
Cameron County, a historically Democratic stronghold, flipped red in the 2024 election, with Donald Trump winning 53% of the vote. Musk's influence in the region, where he is both celebrated for job creation and criticized for driving up housing costs, has become emblematic of the shifting political landscape. "Elon has pretty much dictated all that happens out here," said Deborah Bell, chair of the Cameron County Republican Party.
Musk's dual role as an immigrant entrepreneur and a vocal critic of illegal immigration resonates in Cameron County, where immigration has long been a contentious issue. His opposition to illegal immigration aligns with Trump's hardline "America First" stance, appealing to many working-class Hispanic voters who have become increasingly protective of their financial interests.
According to FAIR, the $150.7 billion figure reflects welfare, medical expenses, education, and justice enforcement costs associated with undocumented immigrants. Critics of FAIR, including the Southern Poverty Law Center, argue that the organization overestimates these figures and has links to controversial groups. Despite this, the figure has been widely cited, including during a May House Budget Committee hearing, where it was used to illustrate the "fiscal impact" of illegal immigration.
Musk's growing political footprint is not limited to his role at DOGE. His economic contributions in Cameron County have created over 3,400 direct jobs at SpaceX and indirectly supported an additional 21,400 positions, according to county officials. While these jobs offer higher wages than many local alternatives, the rapid development has driven up living costs, leading to mixed reactions among residents.
"There is this aspiration, this idea that he is going to Mars and taking Cameron County, one of the poorest in the United States, with him," said Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera, a political science professor at George Mason University who studies the region.
The economic and political transformation Musk has spurred mirrors broader national debates. At the border, illegal immigration remains a polarizing topic, with proponents advocating for more comprehensive reform and critics pushing for stricter enforcement. Musk's role in highlighting government inefficiencies through DOGE has added another dimension to the conversation.
As the county grapples with economic inequality and political shifts, some residents see Musk as both a boon and a burden. "It still is a love-hate relationship with those of us that live out here," Bell said. Others credit Musk's ventures for drawing international attention to the region and sparking a wave of economic development.
Despite Musk's influence, the long-term political implications remain uncertain. Democrats point to past swings in Cameron County, noting that Republican wins have been followed by Democratic recoveries. "I think it's a one-time thing," said Juanita Castillo, a retired immigration official who identifies as an independent but leans Democratic.
