$2.4 Billion in Federal Terrorism and Disaster Grants Held Up Amid Trump Administration's Immigration Demands

Billions of dollars in federal grants intended to bolster state and local defenses against terrorism and natural disasters are currently being withheld, a delay that appears directly linked to the Trump administration's immigration enforcement agenda. As initially reported by Ben Oreskes on social media, this significant hold-up is impacting critical preparedness and response capabilities across the United States.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is reportedly nearly two months behind in releasing application guidelines for its Homeland Security Grant Program, a vital source of funding established after the September 11 attacks. This program, which distributed approximately $1 billion in the last fiscal year, supports initiatives ranging from cybersecurity infrastructure in Washington state to National Guard patrols in New York City subways. Trina Sheets, executive director of the National Emergency Management Association, estimates that approximately $2.4 billion in congressionally appropriated FEMA grants are currently held up.

The delay stems from new conditions expected in the grant applications, which will require states to demonstrate compliance with President Trump’s priorities on immigration enforcement and the dismantling of diversity programs. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated that Secretary Kristi Noem has "directed DHS to implement additional controls to ensure that all grant money going out is consistent with law and does not go to fraud, waste or abuse, as in the past. The open borders gravy train is over."

A coalition of 20 states, predominantly led by Democrats, has filed lawsuits challenging these new requirements, arguing they are "blatantly illegal" and constitute a "hostage scheme." California Attorney General Rob Bonta asserted that the administration is " illegally holding 'hostage' billions of dollars" to coerce states into assisting federal immigration enforcement. New York Governor Kathy Hochul expressed deep concern, stating that the funding uncertainty puts "New York communities at a greater risk than perhaps anywhere else in the nation."

State and local officials warn that the prolonged uncertainty could lead to significant gaps in emergency preparedness. Jackie Bray, commissioner of the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, noted that while larger agencies might manage short-term delays, smaller, more reliant entities could face layoffs and a reduction in essential training for SWAT teams, bomb detection squads, and chemical or biological response units. This situation unfolds as the Trump administration continues its broader push to pressure "sanctuary jurisdictions" and shift more responsibility for emergency response to the states.