A document sent to Congress from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shows that in an effort to fund even more immigration detention beds and deportations, DHS took $200 million away from key national security programs, among others. They also took $7.2 million away from E-verify. The following are some key national security programs that were targeted:
- Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO): $1.8 million
“DNDO is the primary entity in the U.S. government for implementing domestic nuclear detection efforts for a managed and coordinated response to radiological and nuclear threats, as well as integration of federal nuclear forensics programs.” - Office of Health Affairs (OHA): $1 million
“OHA helps communities nationwide prepare for a chemical or biological attack and build their own capacity to respond and recover.” - Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): $9.8 million
The mission statement of FEMA is, “Helping people before, during, and after disasters.” - U.S. Coast Guard (USCG): $29 million
USCG has played a heavy role in hurricane preparedness and response. This reprogramming targets “procurement, construction, and improvements” for “rescue boat medium,” “fast response cutter,” and “national security cutter,” among others. - TSA Aviation Security: $3.7 million
- TSA Federal Air Marshals: $224,000
The Federal Air Marshal Service detects, deters and defeats hostile acts against aviation.” - TSA Operations and Support: $20.6 million
- TSA Procurement, Construction, Improvements: $422,000
- TSA Research & Development: $244,000
- National Preparedness and Programs Directorate (NPPD): $3.3 million
“NPPD leads the national effort to protect and enhance the resilience of the nation’s physical and cyber infrastructure.” - Science and Technology Office (S&T): $3.8 million
“The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) monitors those threats and capitalizes on technological advancements at a rapid pace, developing solutions and bridging capability gaps at a pace that mirrors the speed of life.” - The Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC): $2.9 million
“The Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) provides career-long training to law enforcement professionals to help them fulfill their responsibilities safely and proficiently.”
Ur Jaddou, Director of DHS Watch, a project of America’s Voice, said: “Upside down priorities. The transfer of money from key national security programs to fund ICE suggests the Trump administration prioritizes barbaric efforts to separate families and detain and deport parents, rather than protect the American people from nuclear, biological, or chemical attacks, prepare for hurricanes, and secure our aviation.”
