Edith Hejberg
The administration argues that illegal immigration poses security risks that justify using funds originally earmarked for counterterrorism purposes.
The Trump administration is directing U.S. states to divert some of their federal counterterrorism grants toward detaining undocumented immigrants, FEMA announced Wednesday.
The move represents the latest escalation in Donald Trump’s pledge to remove millions of people living in the country without legal status.
A Program Originally Meant to Fight Terrorism
The Homeland Security Grants Program was created by Congress years before Trump took office, designed to help states prepare for and respond to potential terrorist threats.
Administered by FEMA under the Department of Homeland Security, it has traditionally funded security upgrades, disaster response tools, and public safety projects.
Trump’s “Make America Safe” Promise in Action
“President Trump is delivering on his promise to make and keep America safe,” said Kristi Noem, a Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman.
The administration argues that illegal immigration poses security risks that justify using funds originally earmarked for counterterrorism purposes.
How States Have Spent the Money Before
Historically, states have used the grants for projects like installing security cameras, buying firefighting foam, and upgrading computers.
Every state receives an annual allocation, and these resources have been critical for both local law enforcement and emergency preparedness.
A New Requirement: Immigration Enforcement
Under the new directive, states must allocate at least 10% of their Homeland Security grant money to enforcing immigration laws against individuals deemed inadmissible or removable.
Potential uses include building detention facilities or funding cooperation between local police and federal immigration officers.
States Face an August 11 Deadline
The 50 states are eligible to apply for a share of $373.3 million in available funding, but they must submit their requests by August 11.
The decision has sparked debate over whether shifting counterterrorism funds toward immigration enforcement strengthens national security or undermines the original intent of the program.
