DHS Launches $600 Million Grant Program for State Detention Centers
July 31, 2025
Last week, reports emerged that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is offering a new grant program that would make $608 million in funds available to help states open new detention facilities for illegal aliens. The effort marks the latest move in the Trump administration’s ongoing push to ramp up deportations.
The funding would be provided through the Detention Support Grant Program (DEP), a new funding program through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s Shelter and Services Program (SSP). The DEP Program is designed to support states in constructing or expanding alien holding facilities. Under the Biden administration, SSP was used to funnel money to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) facilitating illegal immigration, but since President Trump took office, DHS has repurposed SSP to fund detention and removal efforts. According to FEMA, the goal of DEP is to “support detention activities carried out by non-federal entities and increase the detention capacity of States and local governments.” States have the opportunity to apply for DEP grants through August 8.
The grant announcement comes on the heels of a temporary detention center opening at a remote, 39-square-mile airfield in the Florida Everglades. Opened in early July, the Florida facility will hold up to 5,000 illegal aliens. DHS committed to supporting Florida in opening and operating the facility, primarily using SSP funding. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has also already indicated that Florida would apply for a DEP grant to further cover costs.
https://www.fairus.org/blog/2025/07/31/dhs-600-million-dollar-grant-state-detention-centers
