Bill directs tens of billions in new funding to border and immigration agencies

What does this do?

The Secure America Act is a budget bill providing extra funding for U.S. border security and immigration enforcement agencies for fiscal year 2026, available through September 2029. It funds CBP hiring and equipment, ICE investigations and detention operations, border technology, and general DHS operations, with a separate larger allocation from the Judiciary Committee for CBP and ICE enforcement activities.

Who does it affect?

The bill affects federal agencies CBP, ICE, and DHS and their employees, as well as communities near U.S. borders. It also affects immigrants without legal status, especially those with criminal charges or convictions, and local and state governments depending on their cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Why does it matter?

Expanded funding would increase detention, deportation, and enforcement capacity, particularly targeting immigrants with criminal records in areas that don't fully cooperate with federal authorities. Local governments' level of cooperation with federal immigration enforcement could affect how much funding or attention their area receives.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• $9.5B CBP
• $7.45B ICE investigations
• $31B ICE (Judiciary Committee)

Where does it stand?