DOJ FY 2026 Bridging Immigration-related Deficits Experienced Nationwide (BIDEN) Program

The Bridging Immigration Related Deficits Experienced Nationwide Program is a federal funding opportunity administered by the U.S. Department of Justice through the Office of Justice Programs. The program is authorized under federal statute and is designed to provide financial assistance to eligible government entities to support criminal justice activities related to immigration enforcement and associated public safety concerns. The initiative reflects a federal priority to strengthen coordination between state, local, and tribal jurisdictions and national enforcement strategies addressing criminal activity involving individuals unlawfully present in the United States. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to enhance the capacity of jurisdictions to locate, apprehend, detain, investigate, and prosecute individuals who have committed crimes while unlawfully present, as well as to address related drug trafficking and human trafficking activities. The program outlines seven statutory purposes, including law enforcement operations, investigative intelligence gathering, prosecution support, court operations, detention, transportation, and logistical support. Funding is intended to support jurisdictions that actively participate in federal enforcement collaborations, including Homeland Security Task Force activities and other Department of Justice initiatives. The program provides funding across three major categories. The first category supports hiring and retention of both sworn law enforcement officers and non sworn personnel across the criminal justice system, including investigative, prosecutorial, and detention roles. The second category supports the acquisition and implementation of technology and equipment, including advanced systems that improve operational capabilities. The third category supports construction, renovation, or expansion of temporary detention facilities to increase capacity for housing individuals awaiting legal proceedings or transfer. Funding may be used for multi year personnel costs, equipment purchases, infrastructure development, and related operational support, but excludes activities that conflict with federal immigration law or civil rights requirements. Eligibility is limited to government entities with direct responsibility for criminal justice functions. This includes state governments, county and municipal governments, special districts, tribal governments, and state agencies with law enforcement authority. Applicants must either have or commit to establishing participation in a 287 g partnership and must be actively engaged in or committed to participation in federal enforcement initiatives. Additional requirements include submission of a certification by a senior government official and a letter of support confirming participation in relevant federal operations. The application process requires submission through a two step system involving Grants.gov and JustGrants. Applicants must first submit a standard federal assistance form and then complete a full application package including a proposal narrative, budget, financial disclosures, and supporting documentation. Required components include a detailed project narrative addressing need, goals, implementation strategy, and organizational capacity, as well as a budget outlining all project costs. Additional attachments such as organizational charts, certifications, and memoranda of understanding may also be required. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through multiple rounds until available funding is exhausted. The initial round opens in mid June with subsequent rounds scheduled throughout the summer. Deadlines are structured in two phases for each round, with an initial submission in Grants.gov followed by a full submission in JustGrants. Awards are expected to be made on a rolling basis, with a performance period ranging from 36 to 60 months beginning in August 2026. Applicants are encouraged to begin required registrations early to avoid delays in submission. Evaluation of applications is based on multiple criteria, including the strength of the proposed project, alignment with program goals, implementation strategy, and organizational capacity. Budget justification is also a key component of the review process. Successful applicants will be required to submit regular performance reports and comply with federal reporting and administrative requirements. For additional information or assistance, applicants may contact the Office of Justice Programs Response Center via phone or email as provided in the official notice.

Align project goals with statutory purposes; clearly justify need with data; demonstrate operational capacity; ensure compliance with federal requirements