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State Criminal Alien Assistance Program The federal government reimburses state and local jails for the incarceration of a proportion of "criminal illegal aliens" in their prisons. There has been criticism regarding this program, as, according to some, it appears to encourage states/local jails to keep illegals in their prisons, rather than deporting them to the country of origin. As long as they aren't deported, they get money.

Also, according to this document, "Detailed Information on the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program Assessment"

A major flaw in the program design is that it permits States/jurisdictions to use the SCAAP payments for any purpose, not just incarceration of criminal aliens--nor necessarily any criminal justice purpose. For many jurisdictions, this means that correctional facilities never benefit from the funding, nor do local police or prosecutors.

I haven't studied this program enough to make any final conclusions, but it seems that, rather than do away with funding monies altogether to the states/local jails, changes should be made to ensure that states aren't keeping criminal illegals in their jails just so they get money. And if they are receiving money, then they should account for where it is being spent.

I don't think states, alone, should bear the costs incurred for illegals coming into the United States who, thereafter, commit crimes.