DOJ Unveils $3 Billion 'BIDEN' Fund for States Closing Borders
The Department of Justice is offering a combined $3 billion for state and local governments to combat illegal immigration.
TL;DR
- The Department of Justice (DOJ) is offering $3 billion to state and local governments to combat illegal immigration.
- The funding opportunity is named the Bridging Immigration-Related Deficits Experienced Nationwide Program, or 'BIDEN'.
- The program stems from provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed in July 2025.
- Funds will support locating and apprehending undocumented immigrants who commit crimes, courtroom tasks, gang activity data collection, and temporary migrant detention and transport.
- Funding can be used for detention facility construction/revitalization and recruiting law enforcement officers, including equipment like drones, body cameras, and body armor.
- Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) stated the program aims to reimburse states like Texas for border security costs incurred during the Biden administration.