States Must Agree to Use Part of Funds to Arrest Illegal Immigrants to Qualify for Homeland Security Grants: FEMA

The notice stated that grants may be used for state and local agencies to collaborate with federal officials to remove illegal immigrants who pose threat.

Agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detain an immigrant after a court hearing at the Connecticut Superior Court in Stamford, Conn., on July 3, 2025. John Moore/Getty Images

The Trump administration will make $454.5 million available to states that agree to use part of the money to assist federal agencies in fighting terrorism and illegal immigration, under the Homeland Security Grant Program.

A Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) information bulletin released on July 29 said the funds are split between two programs, the State Homeland Security Program and Operation Stonegarden. The funding is to support state and local governments’ “efforts in preventing, protecting against, mitigating, responding to and recovering from acts of terrorism and other threats,” which is a part of the National Preparedness Goal of having all communities ready for all types of disasters and emergencies.

Congress established the program before President Donald Trump took office to help states prepare for and respond to terrorist attacks. FEMA, overseen by the Homeland Security Department, has a mission of helping states address disasters.

States say they have previously used the money to buy security cameras, firefighting foam equipment, and computers. All 50 states receive the funds annually.

According to information on FEMA’s website, grant money is available to “enhance cooperation and coordination among state, local, tribal, territorial, and federal law enforcement agencies to jointly enhance security along the United States land and water borders.”

The states must spend at least 10 percent of the grant money on “collaboration between state and local law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement ... to identify and remove individuals who pose a threat to public safety and national security,” a Notice of Funding Opportunity from FEMA states.

Collaboration includes enforcing immigration laws “against all inadmissible and removable aliens—particularly those who threaten the safety or security of the American people,” according to the FEMA notice.

“President Trump is keeping his promise to make and keep America safe,” a spokesperson for U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in response to a question from Reuters on Wednesday about whether Congress intended the money to be spent to arrest illegal immigrants.

The Notice of Funding reads: The funds may also be used to build detention facilities, secure elections, strengthen computer systems and networks against cyber threats, and enhance security around so-called “soft targets” like parks, shopping centers, transportation hubs, and event venues.

Referencing recent efforts to reduce government waste, the FEMA announcement said grants will not be used to house illegal immigrants in hotels, fund climate change projects, or support organizations that don’t serve the interests of the American people.

“President Trump has been clear: States will be empowered and responsible for managing disaster response and protecting their communities,” David Richardson, a senior official acting as FEMA administrator, said in the announcement.

States have until Aug. 11 to apply for the grants.

Reuters contributed to this report.