Gomez Pledges to Redirect $175 Billion from Immigration Enforcement to Housing Affordability

Urging swift action against the “housing affordability crisis,” Representative Jimmy Gomez announced legislation Wednesday aimed at freeing up substantial funding currently allocated for immigration enforcement and channeling it into housing programs.

The measure, introduced by Gomez, would redirect money from various immigration-related initiatives, including border militarization efforts. Funding sources targeted under this bill encompass detention facilities and general DHS/ICE operations, according to the announcement.

Gomez characterized the redirected funds as an “anti-immigrant slush fund,” adding that he intends for families struggling with housing costs while Trump uses federal resources on his own national police force.

The Make Housing Affordable and Defend Democracy Act would establish a monthly renter tax credit for households spending over 30% of their income on rent. First-time homebuyers would receive at least $25,000 towards down payments through the measure, while those taking advantage of government-backed programs could secure financing credits worth between $20,000 and $35 percent.

The bill also includes incentives to convert vacant offices into affordable housing units, representing a concrete effort to increase supply in urban areas where gentrification has pushed prices out of reach for many residents.

“This crisis demands a New Deal-level housing movement,” Gomez emphasized during the National Summit on Housing that he previously convened. He pledged to “restore the simple promise” that hard work guarantees home ownership opportunities.

The legislation would expand affordable housing through strengthened tax incentives, including the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program.

Gomez stated his bill differs from other proposals because it is designed specifically to be funded by shifting resources away from immigration enforcement agencies and initiatives.