‘HIGH CALLING’: HOW TRUMP’S HUD SECRETARY PLANS TO TACKLE THE HOUSING CRISIS

In the letter, Turner wrote that HUD will “take steps” to ensure that no HUD funding goes to any states or local governments declaring “sanctuary” status for illegal immigrants.

“Recently, I directed HUD senior leadership to review our programs and institute mechanisms that can
ensure that HUD programs are compliant with President Trump’s Executive Order,” the letter reads. “For example, going forward, grant agreements will include language that will require compliance with Executive Order 14218, and the Department will take steps to ensure that Federal resources are not used to support ‘sanctuary’ policies of State and local jurisdictions that actively prevent federal authorities from deporting illegal aliens.”

“I am excited to work with our grantees and other stakeholders to implement this Executive Order and
enforce the law so that HUD programs are used for the benefit of the American people,” Turner continued.

2025-04-04 HUD Grantee and Stakeholder Letter by Christian Datoc on Scribd

A senior HUD official stressed that Turner’s action isn’t specifically targeting “sanctuary” states or cities, adding that governments will have opportunities to comply with the new guidance to retain access to public housing funds.

“Federal public benefits cannot be used for illegal aliens,” the aide assessed simply.

Turner took similar action in March when he announced that nonpermanent residents, including asylum-seekers, persons with pending refugee status, and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program recipients, would no longer be eligible for Federal Housing Administration Mortgages, effective May 25.

Furthermore, Turner and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem launched an interagency partnership to monitor public housing programs and “ensure taxpayer-funded housing programs are not used to harbor or benefit illegal aliens.”

“The Biden Administration prioritized illegal aliens over our own citizens, including by giving illegal aliens taxpayer-funding housing at the expense of Americans. Not anymore,” Noem said in a statement at the time. “The entire government will work together to identify abuse and exploitation of public benefits and make sure those in this country illegally are not receiving federal benefits or other financial incentives to stay illegally. If you are an illegal immigrant, you should leave now. The gravy train is over.”