Tyler Reporter

Congressman Lance Gooden has reintroduced the Protecting Federal Funds from Human Trafficking and Smuggling Act, a bill aimed at stopping federal funding to NGOs allegedly involved in illegal immigration activities at the southern border. Gooden stated that these organizations have been using taxpayer dollars under the guise of humanitarian aid.

"For years, non-governmental organizations have exploited taxpayer dollars to facilitate illegal immigration under the guise of 'humanitarian aid,'" said Rep. Gooden. "The exploitation of the American taxpayer will end under the Trump Administration. This bill ensures that not a single cent of American tax dollars will fund organizations complicit in human trafficking and illegal border crossings."

The proposed legislation includes several key measures: prohibiting federal contracts and grants to NGOs unless they certify non-involvement in human trafficking or smuggling, revoking tax-exempt status for those violating trafficking laws, and requiring NGOs to verify eligibility before providing public benefits.

Gooden criticized the current administration's handling of border issues, claiming over 10.8 million illegal encounters have occurred during President Biden's term. He alleged that federal agencies such as DHS, FEMA, HHS, and the State Department have funneled funds into NGOs without accountability.

"The Biden Administration weaponized federal funds to bankroll human trafficking at our border," he continued. "NGOs operating under the cover of 'charity' are complicit in an invasion that is overwhelming our resources, fueling crime, and endangering American lives."

The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) expressed support for Gooden's initiative. Joe Chatham, Director of Government Relations at FAIR, stated: "Open-borders nonprofits have brazenly fueled the border crisis by using taxpayer dollars doled out by the Biden administration to facilitate illegal immigration... FAIR applauds Congressman Gooden's leadership and commitment to restoring order at our borders and protecting American taxpayers."