PNN – US states receive more than $600 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to build immigration detention centers.
According to the report of Pakistan News Network, the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is preparing to send $608 million to various states to build immigration detention centers as part of the Trump administration’s effort to expand immigrant holding capacity.
The agency said in a statement that FEMA has launched a Detention Support Grant Program to help states build temporary facilities. States have until August 8 to apply for the grant.
According to Reuters, the Trump administration has encouraged states to build immigration detention centers. The program provides a way for the federal government to provide states with financial assistance to cover the costs.
According to the announcement, the program’s funding will be distributed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Meanwhile, Florida’s Republican Governor Ron DeSantis announced Friday morning that the state will request funding from FEMA to reimburse the costs of its new immigration detention center, called “Alligator Alcatraz.”
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Department of Homeland Security officials also said the facility would cost about $450 million annually.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristy Noam also said the department would use FEMA’s $650 million Shelter and Services program to fund the center in Florida.
A FEMA spokesperson said: Secretary Noam has made it clear that funding the Alcatraz Alligator Project could be a model for other states and local governments to help with immigration detention.
Changing the service status of military forces assisting in immigration matters
The US government is changing the service status of military personnel assisting with immigration matters.
According to this report, the US Department of Defense, the Pentagon, announced that the Trump administration has placed about 1,700 military forces under the command of state governors to assist the government in enforcing immigration laws.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the service status of 1,200 troops previously involved in the mission has been changed from federal (Title 10) to state status under the governor’s order (Title 32). An additional 500 troops have also been authorized to deploy to assist with immigration-related efforts.
Parnell said in a statement: Through proactive planning and collaboration with its partners in the Immigration Service, the Department of Defense concluded that specific operational needs may require direct interaction with individuals in Immigration Service custody, leading to a review of the military’s status of service.
Before winning the US presidential election, Trump promised to begin a massive deportation plan for immigrants on US soil, so this policy began on January 20, the day of the president’s inauguration. He has signed executive orders allowing immigration officers to arrest non-criminal immigrants, and has also ordered other federal agencies to assist the immigration department in this regard. Combating illegal immigration has also been on Trump’s agenda.
He has repeatedly promised to deport immigrants, saying it is necessary to ensure security in the United States after the unprecedented increase in illegal immigration during Biden’s presidency.