DOJ FY 2026 Bridging Immigration-Related Deficits Experienced Nationwide (BIDEN) Program Round 2

The Bridging Immigration-Related Deficits Experienced Nationwide Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Justice through the Office of Justice Programs. This federal funding opportunity is authorized under statutory provisions designed to support law enforcement and criminal justice systems responding to immigration-related enforcement challenges. The program is structured to provide financial assistance to state, local, and tribal government entities that are actively engaged in criminal justice functions, particularly those related to identifying, apprehending, prosecuting, and detaining individuals unlawfully present in the United States who have committed crimes. The funding aligns with broader federal priorities to enhance public safety, combat organized crime, and strengthen interagency enforcement coordination. The primary purpose of this program is to increase operational capacity across multiple components of the criminal justice system. Funding supports activities such as locating and apprehending individuals, conducting investigations into gang and trafficking activity, prosecuting crimes, supporting court operations, managing detention facilities, and providing transportation and logistical support. The program also emphasizes participation in Homeland Security Task Force activities and other Department of Justice enforcement initiatives, ensuring that funded jurisdictions contribute to coordinated federal efforts addressing transnational criminal organizations and violent crime. The scope of funding is divided into three main categories: personnel hiring and retention, technology and equipment acquisition, and construction or expansion of temporary detention facilities. Eligible uses include hiring sworn and non-sworn personnel, investing in advanced law enforcement technologies, and undertaking large-scale infrastructure projects such as detention facility construction or modernization. Funds may be used for past, current, or new expenditures dating back to January 20, 2021. However, the program imposes strict limitations on allowable activities, including prohibitions on funding activities that impede federal immigration enforcement or violate civil rights laws. Eligibility for this program is limited to government entities with direct responsibility for criminal justice operations. This includes state governments, county and city governments, tribal governments, and relevant state agencies or local units. Applicants must demonstrate active participation or commitment to participate in federal enforcement partnerships, including 287(g) agreements and Homeland Security Task Force operations. Additional requirements include submission of certifications by government officials and letters of support from federal partners, ensuring alignment with federal enforcement priorities. The application process involves a two-step submission through Grants.gov and JustGrants. Applicants must first submit a standard federal assistance form and then complete a full application including a proposal narrative, budget, and supporting documentation. Required components include a detailed description of need, project goals and objectives, implementation plan, and organizational capacity. Applications are evaluated based on criteria such as project design, alignment with program goals, and the applicant’s ability to successfully implement and manage the proposed activities. Key deadlines for the current round include submission of initial application materials by August 26, 2026, and completion of the full application by August 28, 2026. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis across multiple rounds until funding is exhausted. Award decisions are made on a rolling basis as well, with anticipated project periods ranging from 36 to 60 months beginning October 1, 2026. No cost sharing or matching funds are required under this program. Post-award requirements include regular performance reporting and compliance with federal regulations, including environmental and real property requirements for construction projects. Recipients must demonstrate progress toward program goals and maintain accountability for the use of federal funds. Contact for the program is provided through the Office of Justice Programs Response Center, which offers support for applicants throughout the submission process.

Align proposal with DOJ priorities emphasize operational impact demonstrate partnership with federal enforcement agencies