(NewsNation) — Ranchers and farmers in Texas will be compensated for property damage caused by trespassers in connection with crime at the U.S. southern border.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Thursday launched the Landown­er Com­pen­sa­tion Program, which will provide compensation for damage to real property on agricultural land.

Paxton blamed the Biden administration for the destruction, stating migrants leave a “trail of destruction that harms Texas agricultural land.”

“This program will provide needed relief to Texans whose property is damaged by foreign aliens waved into the country by the federal government,” Paxton said in a statement. “I am glad to help the farmers and ranchers on our borderlands who bear the costs of Biden’s destructive policies.”

Ranchers suffer financial loss

According to a report last year from the state Senate’s Committee on Border Security, Texas farmers and ranchers have reported overwhelming financial losses from damage due to migrants crossing the border illegally and running through their property.

The report also revealed that ranchers said their crops have been destroyed, they’ve lost livestock from holes cut in fences and their properties are littered with trash.

Lawmakers describe the damages occurring as “revolving and continuous.”

“Current repair operations were described as ‘putting band aids on bullet holes,'” the report said.

How can landowners receive compensation?

Landowners with property damage can be reimbursed up to $75,000 for repair costs for items such as a barn or fence not covered by other sources.

The Texas legislature approved a law, Senate Bill 1133, to create a program that appropriated $18 million in state money for the fund for this year and next year.

Landowners will not be able to be compensated for damage that occurred before Sept. 1, when the bill went into effect. Landowners must file a claim within 90 days of the incident for any damage between Sept. 1, 2023, and May 6, 2024.

The damage must be documented by law enforcement to be eligible for compensation.

Farmers for migrant property damage

Terrell County Sheriff Thad Cleveland told NewsNation that most landowners welcome the new program.

He said the county’s biggest problem is fence damage from high-speed pursuits or migrants trampling over them.

“We also see those water lines in gallons upon gallons of water being dispersed upon the ground,” Cleveland said. “I have to give a rough measurement because fencing is pretty expensive. I would say anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 worth of damage here in our county.”

In 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture launched a financial assistance program for Texas farmers and ranchers along the border who experience damage to their property, including fencing and water structures.