Texas Faces Funding Crisis as Trump Admin Halts Migrant Aid Grants

The Trump administration has halted federal payments for migrant food, shelter, and help, hurting Texas cities and organizations. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem imposed a seven-day ban on millions of dollars in aid due to worries that the grants may fuel illegal immigration.

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Last year, Texas received $62.4 million in grants, 23% of national funding. San Antonio, El Paso County, and Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley were major recipients. The funding suspension threatens shelters and humanitarian agencies that have supported asylum-seekers.

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Funding has saved organizations that offer shelter, food, and legal aid to federally processed and released migrants. Without it, border communities may suffer, leaving more homeless and vulnerable, campaigners say.

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"Without this money, I don't know if any of us could do this," said Catholic Charities CEO Antonio Fernandez. His organization helped 100,000 migrants at San Antonio's Migrant Resource Center in 2023.

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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has accused NGOs like Annunciation House in El Paso of human smuggling, which the shelter rejects. This matter is before the Texas Supreme Court.

Political and Legal Repercussions

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Critics say the funding freeze is political. Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-San Antonio) labeled the move "sabotage," accusing Trump officials of deliberately undermining the lawful immigration system.

"San Antonio has been a model for the nation's inhumane treatment of asylum-seekers," he said. "Halting SSP funding would be a direct attempt to sabotage that good work."

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Some courts have blocked the closure of faith-based shelters like Annunciation House, so legal issues may develop. An earlier court termed Paxton's actions against the shelter "outrageous," citing religious freedom concerns.

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While the assessment process continues, Texas shelters, relief groups, and local governments await key funding that might affect thousands of asylum-seekers.

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