County Applies for Federal Grant But Gets Pushback Because of Uncertainty About What It’s Actually For

Fayette County Commissioners authorized the County to pursue another immigration- related grant opportunity at their meeting last Thursday, July 9.

The County has already received funding through the Federal Immigrations and Customs Enforcement 287G program. The grant opportunity discussed last Thursday is through the Bridging Immigration- Related Deficits Experienced Nationwide (BIDEN) program, which was part of the One Big Beautiful Bill that the U.S. Congress passed last year.

“This is just another grant opportunity that was presented to us,” said Fayette County Emergency Management Coordinator Angela Hahn. “It can cover technology, equipment and infrastructure.”

According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), which administers the BIDEN program, the grants are meant to support several functions such locating and apprehending aliens who have committed crimes, information collection to counter gangs or other criminal activity, investigating and prosecuting crimes committed by aliens, countering drug and human trafficking, detaining and transporting alien who committed crimes, and vehicle maintenance, logistics, transportation and other services support the apprehension of aliens who committed crimes.

DOJ guidelines say grants through the BIDEN program can be used for three categories: 1) hiring new law enforcement personnel, 2) technology and equipment, and 3) construction of temporary detention facilities from criminal illegal aliens. The deadline to apply for the first round of grant funding through the BIDEN program is July 17.

“I’m working through the process with the Sheriff’s Office to determine what we might want to do,” Hahn said.

“We’re by no means planning on building a detention facility here, are we?” asked Pct. 1 Commissioner Jason McBroom.

“I’m not sure what we’re planning to do,” Hahn said.

McBroom questioned why the County would apply for a grant without knowing what the money would be used for.

“I understand that,” Hahn said. “But there is a timeline here that we’ve got to meet. We’ve talked about equipment. We’ve talked about some technology and maybe improving infrastructure.”

Hahn said that unlike many grants which require local matching funds, this grant would come at no cost to the County. McBroom referenced a dispute between the State of Texas and the Federal Government over immigration-related grant funds. The One Big Beautiful Bill promised Texas $13.5 billion in funds for Operation Lone Star. More than a year after its passage, the State is still owed more than $10 billion.

“That’s what’s scaring me with these federal grants,” McBroom said. “The State of Texas is owed $10 billion by the Federal government, and it’s not getting it.”

“Do we have any option to back out of this?” asked Pct. 2 Commissioner Clint Sternadel.

“Absolutely, that’s not a problem,” Hahn said.

“The other thing is there are so many grants right now, it gets so confusing,” McB-County room said. “I’m scared that they’re going to come audit it if its not done properly. Are we doing it 100 percent right. I’m sure we think we are.”

Hahn said it’s not unusual for agencies to audit local governments after awarding grand funds. She said Fayette County has undergone audits before.

When the item came up for a vote, it passed 4-1 with Mc-Broom casting the dissenting vote.