The Department of Housing and Urban Development is now sharing data with immigration officials, aiming to remove mixed-status families from public housing. Advocates say the agreement could lead to evictions, surveillance, and fear for thousands of immigrant households.
What does the HUD–ICE MOU say?
The two agencies signed a joint memorandum in March 2025 that:
- Establishes an Incident Command Center to monitor housing eligibility
- Refers cases involving undocumented people to DHS for enforcement
- Prioritizes “American citizen families” in Section 8 and public housing
The memo uses language reminiscent of 2019’s failed attempt to bar mixed-status families from public housing—calling it a fix for “taxpayer misuse.”
Current rules already exclude undocumented tenants
Under longstanding HUD policy:
- Only U.S. citizens or lawful residents may receive rental subsidies
- Mixed-status families receive reduced benefits, based on eligible members
- Undocumented tenants are already excluded from direct HUD assistance
Advocates say this memo adds surveillance—not savings.
How many people are affected?
- 9.5 million Americans live in federally funded housing
- Roughly 25,000 families (108,000 individuals) are mixed status
- These families often pay more rent and receive less subsidy
If removed, HUD would lose:
- $179M–$210M in annual subsidies
- $195M in direct rent paid by affected families
- Total projected loss: $405 million per year
Housing advocates warn of fear, displacement
Critics say the memo will:
- Undermine trust in public housing programs
- Disrupt families with both citizens and undocumented members
- Deter even eligible citizens from applying for aid
“This isn’t about fraud—it’s about fear,” said Sulma Arias, director of People’s Action.
Local housing authorities in New York, California, and Texas—home to 72% of mixed-status families—say they’ll lose crucial funding and renters.
Legal challenges and oversight expected
- Congressional Democrats plan oversight hearings
- Legal groups are assessing the constitutionality of DHS–HUD data use
- Civil rights attorneys expect lawsuits under fair housing laws
Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY), a NYCHA alum, said: “Trump isn’t fixing housing. He’s trying to break up the families inside it.”
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