Secure America Act

The "Secure America Act" is a budget reconciliation bill that appropriates over $22.9 billion to the Department of Homeland Security for fiscal year 2026. These funds are designated for enhancing various aspects of national security, with a particular emphasis on border operations and specialized investigations. Specifically, the bill allocates significant funding to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for hiring and equipping Border Patrol agents and support personnel, and to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for Homeland Security Investigations. A notable portion of ICE funding is dedicated to combating child exploitation, including hiring specialized investigators and forensics analysts. Crucially, funds for both agencies are restricted to functions *other than* immigration enforcement and customs missions. Additionally, the legislation provides substantial appropriations for border security technology , including non-intrusive inspection equipment, air and marine upgrades, and surveillance systems, specifically targeting illicit narcotics and enhancing the biometric entry and exit system. A key provision restricts funding for surveillance towers that are not proven to deliver autonomous capabilities, which are defined as systems using AI to detect and track items without continuous human command.