Trump Administration Pulls $11 Million in Funding for Catholic Charities that Sheltered Illegal Alien Minors

Todd Starnes : Apr 16, 2026
ToddStarnes.com

"The Trump administration made a very interesting point in its defense. Since Trump took office in 2025, the flow of unaccompanied illegal alien children has dropped dramatically. The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) told the Herald that 'the daily population of unaccompanied migrant children in the agency's care was "significantly lower," at 1,900, under the Trump administration compared to a peak of 22,000 under the Biden administration.' Less demand means less money, right? Not if you're Catholic Charities. That's operating money on which the organization depends. What all of this means is that the church has no incentive to want the flow of illegal immigrants to stop in the US On the contrary, it has every incentive to keep America's borders wide open, no questions asked. Roughly $11 million in incentives in this case..." -Tim O'Brien, PJ Media

[ToddStarnes.com] The Trump Administration has moved to terminate roughly $11 million in federal funding for Catholic Charities USA, a decision that could shutter a long-standing migrant services program and intensify an already heated debate over immigration policy and taxpayer spending. (Screengrab image)

According to reporting by the Miami Herald, the administration "abruptly canceled an $11 million contract with Catholic Charities" that helped "shelter and care for illegal alien children who enter the US alone."

The funding supported services including temporary housing, foster care placement, and legal assistance for unaccompanied minors—efforts that have been in place for decades through partnerships between the federal government and faith-based organizations. A separate report by WSVN-TV noted the program traces its roots to Cold War-era humanitarian efforts and has served thousands of children.

The move is part of a broader push by the administration to reassess federal spending tied to immigration-related nonprofits. During a prior briefing, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, "It is the responsibility of this president ... to be a good steward of taxpayer dollars."

Leavitt also suggested the cuts were intentional and policy-driven, stating, "I am actually quite certain that the president signed an executive order that did just that."

Supporters of the decision argue that taxpayer funds should not be used in ways that could incentivize illegal immigration or conflict with federal enforcement priorities. Administration officials have indicated that additional funding reviews—and possible cuts—could follow.

But the decision has drawn sharp criticism from Catholic leaders and immigration advocates. Thomas Wenski called the move "baffling," warning it would have immediate consequences for vulnerable populations.

In a written statement, Wenski said the program "has been stripped of funding and will be forced to shut down within three months," raising concerns about what will happen to the children currently in care.

Critics argue that ending the funding could leave thousands without access to basic services and disrupt long-standing public-private partnerships. Supporters counter that nonprofits receiving federal dollars must align with national policy priorities.

Why were we giving money to Catholic Charities in the first place? If the Catholics want to provide charity, it should come from their parishioners. Same for the Baptists, Methodists, Lutherans, Presbyterians and any other religious denomination. It is not the government's place to give my tax money to any religious organizations. Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here