Trump Requests $4.5 Billion to Address 'Humanitarian Crisis' at Border

Trump Requests $4.5 Billion to Address 'Humanitarian Crisis' at Border

President Donald Trump asked Congress for $4.5 billion in emergency funds to address what he described as a "humanitarian crisis" at the U.S.-Mexican border, setting up another showdown with lawmakers over immigration.

The money would be used to handle an influx of migrants, not Trump's proposed border wall, according to administration officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss details of the proposal. The request is likely to run into opposition from Democrats concerned with the administration's overall approach to immigration.

"The situation becomes more dire each day," Russell Vought, acting director of the Office of Management and Budget, wrote to congressional leaders in the White House request. "The migration flow and the resulting humanitarian crisis is rapidly overwhelming the ability of the Federal Government to respond."

Democrats said they would review the request but raised concerns about some of the proposals. More than $150 million of the new money would be used to accommodate “significant increases” in immigrants detained, for instance.

Administration officials said the funding would be used to build facilities to house immigrants, medical treatment, food, diapers and similar needs. The Department of Homeland Security has been repeatedly criticized for conditions at the border.