HUD and DOGE target mixed immigration status households

On top of this work, DOGE staffers are reportedly seeking to have members of such households with illegal immigration status removed from the country, as part of a vow to root out undocumented residents from accessing publicly funded programs, the report explained, even if living with legal residents or immigrants.

HUD teams up with the Department of Homeland Security

HUD Secretary Scott Turner last month signed an inter-agency memorandum of understanding (MOU) with U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Director Kristi Noem, which calls for a HUD staffer to be added to DHS’ Incident Command Center (ICC), which in turn will “facilitate data sharing and ensure taxpayer-funded housing programs are not used to harbor or benefit illegal aliens,” according to the announcement of the MOU.

In a post on X last month, Turner said that there “are 24,000 ‘ineligible’ members in HUD housing.” HUD has more visibility into the mixed-status of public housing residents, since all applicants must report their immigration status at the time they apply for such benefits. While HUD does not have the authority to actually go to these dwellings and inquire about the status of certain residents, immigration and police certainly do.

“Multiple people close to the department said public housing authorities are on alert, hosting webinars and internal meetings about what to do if immigration officials arrive en masse,” the report said. “They often conclude they have little recourse but to call the police.”

The effort to “kick out” mixed-status households is being led by DOGE staffer Mike Mirski, the Post reported. One employee said major cities like New York and Chicago will be targeted for such efforts first, making “decisions [that] would be based on flawed analyses of datasets he doesn’t know how to use,” according to the input of the staffer.

Targeting mixed-status households

HUD responded to the Post’s request for comment by stating that the aim of any such move is to focus HUD assistance on American citizens who may need it.

“[T]here are tens of thousands of ‘ineligible’ individuals in HUD housing, which more than likely translates to illegal aliens,” said Kasey Lovett, HUD spokeswoman, in a statement to the Post. “Secretary Turner is using every tool at his disposal to reverse the wrongdoings and negligence of the Biden administration and is making certain that under the leadership of President Trump, American citizens are the only priority.”

She added that roughly only one in four American families who need the help of HUD programs are currently being assisted by them, the report said.

At his Senate confirmation hearing in January, Turner was asked about the incoming administration’s potential targeting of mixed-status families by Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.). While saying he is in general agreement with the idea that illegal immigration places burdens on the country’s institutions, he also expressed concerns for mixed-status families in his state where a U.S. citizen is married to an undocumented immigrant.

When asked if he would consider targeting these kinds of families, since denying housing or evicting them would also impact Americans, Turner only said he would focus primarily on enforcing existing laws.

“My job as HUD secretary will be to uphold the laws on the books, and sometimes we need to make hard decisions,” Turner said. “We don’t like to tear up families, but we have an obligation to serve the American people and uphold the laws on the books.”

Gallego expressed disappointment at Turner’s response and reiterated that he hoped the future secretary would understand the nuance of a mixed-status situation. He added that an eviction for an undocumented spouse could result in the displacement of American citizens as well.

Ultimately, the vote to advance Turner’s nomination to the full Senate proceeded along party lines, and he was ultimately confirmed in early February.