Democratic lawmakers on Capitol Hill say the Trump administration diverted over $2 billion from military budgets in 2025. The funds supported immigration enforcement, according to a new report. The diversion, they argue, weakened readiness and strained service members. The report, Draining Defense, says the Pentagon funded immigration missions outside its core role. Lawmakers claim the Department of Defense spent at least $2 billion. They warn that spending could rise by billions next year.
Most costs, they say, went unreimbursed by the Department of Homeland Security. As a result, the military cut funds for training, housing repairs, and base infrastructure. Lawmakers say even schools for military children faced delays.
Active-duty troops and National Guard units supported border and city operations. Border deployments alone cost about $1.3 billion. Domestic deployments added roughly $258 million. A Los Angeles operation supporting ICE cost an estimated $172 million.
Detention operations drove costs higher. The Pentagon spent over $420 million on detention, including $363 million at Fort Bliss. Lawmakers cite multiple federal standard violations at that site.
The administration also used Guantánamo Bay for immigration detention. That effort cost about $40 million in one month. Military aircraft handled deportations, raising expenses sharply. Flights to India reportedly cost $3 million each. The report warns these moves reduced disaster response capacity and global readiness. Lawmakers urge full reimbursement and an end to the diversions.
