FEMA to require states use terrorism prevention funds for migrant arrests
A resident enters a FEMA's improvised station to attend claims by local residents affected by floods following the passing of Hurricane Helene, in Marion, North Carolina, U.S., October 5, 2024. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz/File Photo
WASHINGTON - The Federal Emergency Management Agency will require states to spend part of their federal terrorism prevention funds on helping the Trump administration arrest migrants, as part of the U.S. president's transformation of the agency.
This is latest example of the Trump administration tying its goal to arrest migrants to federal funding for states.
States must spend at least 10% of their funds from the Homeland Security Grant Program on enforcing immigration laws 'against all inadmissible and removable aliens,' according to an agency announcement. They can use it for tasks that support President Donald Trump's executive order on immigration, including to construct detention facilities or set up partnerships between police officers and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to the post.
States have until Aug. 11 to apply for their portion of $373.3 million, according to the post.
Congress established the Homeland Security Grant Program before Trump took office to help states prepare for and respond to terrorist attacks. All 50 states receive the funds annually. In the past, they have used the money to buy security cameras, firefighting foam equipment and computers, among other needs, according to statements from state officials.
Reuters asked the White House press office whether Congress intended the funds be spent on migrant arrests. The office referred Reuters to FEMA. REUTERS
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