The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is gearing up to send over $600 million in federal funds to states to help build immigrant detention centers.
The newly announced “Detention Support Grant Program” will provide $608 million to assist states in constructing temporary detention facilities. FEMA made the announcement through its website, encouraging states to apply for the funds by August 8. The program is being rolled out in partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Leading the charge is Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who announced the state would seek reimbursement from FEMA to help pay for a new facility nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz.” The massive detention center is projected to cost $450 million annually. DeSantis’ office has promoted the facility as a model for other states interested in building out their own immigration holding infrastructure.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that FEMA’s funding will come from the $650 million shelter and services program originally approved under the Biden administration. The money was initially meant to assist local governments and nonprofits sheltering migrants—not fund large-scale detention facilities.
Still, FEMA confirmed that the same funding stream will now be used to support states like Florida in building permanent or semi-permanent detention sites.
“Secretary Noem has been very clear that the funding for Alligator Alcatraz can be a blueprint for other states and local governments to assist with detention,” a FEMA spokesperson said.
With the application deadline fast approaching, other Republican-led states are expected to follow Florida’s lead.
