New rule redirects security aid to US immigration enforcement

Anabelle Colaco
01 Aug 2025, 01:20 GMT+10

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has introduced a new rule requiring states to dedicate a portion of their terrorism prevention funding toward efforts that aid in migrant arrests
The decision reflects the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to align federal funding streams with its immigration enforcement agenda
The funds can be used for projects that support President Donald Trump's executive order on immigration, including building detention facilities and creating partnerships between local law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has introduced a new rule requiring states to dedicate a portion of their terrorism prevention funding toward efforts that aid in migrant arrests. The decision reflects the Trump administration's ongoing efforts to align federal funding streams with its immigration enforcement agenda.

Under the updated guidelines, at least 10 percent of each state's Homeland Security Grant Program funds must be spent on activities that enforce immigration laws "against all inadmissible and removable aliens," according to FEMA's latest announcement. The funds can be used for projects that support President Donald Trump's executive order on immigration, including building detention facilities and creating partnerships between local law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The Homeland Security Grant Program, initially created by Congress to help states prepare for and respond to potential terrorist threats, will distribute US$373.3 million in this cycle. States have until August 11 to apply for their share.

When asked whether Congress had envisioned using terrorism prevention grants for immigration enforcement when the program was created, the White House press office declined to respond directly and referred inquiries to FEMA.

All 50 states are eligible for the funding each year. The new condition represents a federal-level push to involve states more directly in immigration operations, an area typically handled at the national level.