(The Epoch Times)—The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has launched a new program that will provide more than $608 million in funding for states to detain illegal immigrants in state-run facilities.
The grant program, dubbed the “Detention Support Grant Program,” is intended to ease overcrowding in short-term holding facilities operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, according to FEMA documents posted on a government website.
It aims to help expand the detention capacity of states and local governments as the Trump administration ramps up immigration enforcement efforts targeting illegal immigrants, the documents stated.
FEMA said the program will provide states with grants to offset the cost of holding illegal immigrants in state-run detention facilities until they are transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody.
“Recipients and subrecipients may use grant funds for the costs of sheltering aliens in a detained environment,” the agency stated.
The grant program will open for applications until Aug. 8, according to the documents.
The grant program came as the administration has intensified efforts to detain and deport illegal immigrants in the country. President Donald Trump said last month that he had directed his administration to put “every resource possible” to carry out what he called the “largest mass deportation operation of illegal aliens in history.”
FEMA, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security, is expected to cover the cost of building the new Alligator Alcatraz immigrant detention facility in Florida. Gov. Ron DeSantis said on July 25 that his office will seek FEMA reimbursement for the detention center.
The Alligator Alcatraz facility in the Everglades has the capacity to hold up to 3,000 illegal immigrants. DeSantis said the first deportation flights carrying 100 illegal immigrants departed from the facility to other countries this week.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced on July 12 that her office was in talks with five Republican-led states on the construction of detention centers modeled after Florida’s Alligator Alcatraz.
“We’ve had several other states that are actually using Alligator Alcatraz as a model for how they can partner with us as well,” she told reporters. Noem declined to name the states.
FEMA is tasked with overseeing the federal government’s response to disasters. But the agency has come under criticism for its handling of the Texas floods, which left 137 people dead earlier this month.
Trump has signaled that he may consider phasing out the agency and reducing federal disaster assistance to states after this year’s hurricane season ends, leaving disaster response to the states.
“We want to wean off of FEMA, and we want to bring it down to the state level. … We’re moving it back to the states,” the president told reporters in the Oval Office on June 10.
Reuters and Katabella Roberts contributed to this report.
Three Reasons a Coffee Gift Set From This Christian Company Is Perfect for Christmas
When you’re searching for a Christmas gift that’s meaningful, useful, and rooted in faith, you don’t want to settle for anything generic. This season is filled with noise — mass-produced products, last-minute picks, and trends that fade as quickly as they appear. But one gift stands apart because it blends genuine quality with a message that matters: a coffee gift set from Promised Grounds Coffee.
This small Christian-owned company has become a favorite among believers who want to support faith-driven businesses while giving friends and family something they’ll actually enjoy. Here are three reasons a Promised Grounds Coffee gift set may be the most thoughtful and impactful present you give this year.
1. It’s Truly Delicious Coffee
Too many “gift-worthy” coffees look beautiful in the package but disappoint when the cup is poured. Promised Grounds takes the opposite approach — exceptional taste first, thoughtful presentation second.
Their beans are sourced with care, roasted in small batches, and crafted to bring out a rich, smooth flavor profile that appeals to both casual drinkers and true coffee lovers. Whether someone enjoys bold, dark roasts or lighter, more delicate blends, every sip reflects quality that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the biggest specialty brands.
Simply put: this coffee is good. Really good. Some say it’s absolutely fantastic. If you want a gift that won’t be re-gifted, ignored, or shoved in a cabinet, this is it.
2. It Spreads the Word While Serving a Real Purpose
There are many Christian gifts that are meaningful… but not exactly practical. There are also useful gifts that have nothing to do with faith. Promised Grounds Coffee bridges both worlds beautifully.
Each gift set delivers an encouraging, faith-centered message through its packaging and presentation — a simple but powerful reminder of God’s goodness during the Christmas season. The cups are especially popular and serve as a daily reminder of the blessings from our Lord. At the same time, the product itself is something people will actually use and appreciate every single day.
It’s a gift that uplifts the spirit and fills the mug. A gift that points loved ones toward Scripture while still being part of the normal rhythm of life. And in a culture that increasingly pushes faith to the margins, giving a gift that quietly but confidently honors Christ can make a deeper impact than you might expect.
3. It’s Affordable, Valuable, and Elegantly Presented
Many people want to give something meaningful without breaking their Christmas budget. Promised Grounds Coffee strikes that perfect balance — the sets look and feel premium, but the price remains accessible.
The packaging is classy, clean, and gift-ready, making it ideal for:
- Family members of all ages
- Co-workers or employees
- Church friends or small-group leaders
- Hosts, neighbors, and last-minute gift needs
It’s the kind of gift that feels more expensive than it is — and more thoughtful than most of what you’ll find on store shelves.
The Perfect Blend of Faith, Flavor, and Christmas Cheer
A coffee gift set from Promised Grounds Coffee checks every box: a gift that tastes amazing, conveys your faith, supports a Christian business, and brings daily enjoyment to the person who receives it. In a season when so many gifts are forgotten, this one stands out for all the right reasons.
If you want a Christmas present that reflects your values and delivers genuine joy, Promised Grounds Coffee is the perfect place to start.