'Clawed back': DHS chief Noem secures eye-popping sum sent to NYC for migrant hotels - Newsfortoday

DHS Recovers Million in FEMA Funds for NYC Hotels Housing Migrants

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has decided to claw back million that was previously allocated in FEMA funding for luxury hotels accommodating migrants in New York City. This decision comes just one day after DHS terminated several officials who were involved in authorizing the controversial payments.

Firm Stance from the DHS

A spokesperson for the DHS asserted that Secretary Noem has taken decisive action to retract the payments, suggesting that “FEMA deep state activists” acted without proper authorization. “There will not be a single penny spent that goes against the interest and safety of the American people,” the spokesperson emphasized in an interview with Fox News Digital.

The Uncovering of Payments

This announcement follows a revelation from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which highlighted the million in payments made for the accommodation of migrants overwhelmed New York City as they sought refuge from the ongoing crisis at the southern border. Notably, tech innovator Elon Musk pointed out that these payments had been processed in just the past week.

Consequences for FEMA Employees

In a surprising turn of events, DHS announced the termination of four FEMA employees who were responsible for these unauthorized transactions. These dismissals included FEMA’s Chief Financial Officer, two analysts, and a grant specialist. Such actions underline the department’s commitment to accountability amidst ongoing concerns over the appropriateness of using emergency disaster funding for immigration-related expenses.

Controversy Over Funding Sources

The use of FEMA funding for immigration services has become a contentious issue in recent months. These funds are sourced from the Shelter and Services Program (SSP), which is congressionally appropriated and necessitates a transfer of funds from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for utilization. The Biden administration previously faced criticism regarding the management of disaster funds, asserting that the appropriations for CBP were properly administered through FEMA.

The Role of New York City

A representative from New York City Hall has confirmed that the city received ongoing federal funds from the Biden administration to assist in housing and supporting illegal immigrants during the crisis. Of the total .3 million, approximately million was allocated specifically for direct hotel costs, while the remainder was designated for supplementary services such as food and security. City officials quickly clarified that these funds were not part of a disaster relief grant, further complicating perceptions of their usage.

NYC’s Emergency Response

New York City officials defended their approach to managing what they described as an “international humanitarian crisis.” They pointed out that the previous administration largely left the city to address an influx of migrants on its own. “We took swift emergency action to house thousands of migrants arriving in our city every week—ensuring that no family slept on our streets and that the public safety of longtime New Yorkers was not compromised,” a spokesperson stated. Importantly, they noted that over 184,000 migrants had successfully exited the city’s shelter system since the spring of 2022, but acknowledged that further challenges lay ahead.

Legal Action on the Horizon?

In response to the funds’ clawback, NYC Comptroller Brad Lander voiced strong opposition against the DHS decision. “We cannot take this lying down,” he asserted. He called on Mayor Eric Adams to pursue legal action to reclaim the funds he described as “stolen by Trump and DOGE.” Lander expressed that if Mayor Adams did not take a stand, his office would be prepared to work in collaboration with the New York City Law Department for aggressive legal recourse.

Awaiting Responses from City Officials

As tensions rise, the office of Mayor Eric Adams has yet to respond to media inquiries regarding this incident. The ongoing dispute over federal funding and its implications for local governance will likely escalate as various stakeholders weigh in on the matter.

Conclusion

The unfolding situation surrounding the Department of Homeland Security’s retraction of FEMA funds points to an increasing conflict over the intersection of federal disaster funds and immigration policy. As New York City grapples with the challenges posed by a large number of migrants seeking refuge, local leaders face difficult decisions about resource allocation amidst a changing political landscape. The potential for legal action further complicates the matter, indicating that this issue is far from resolved.