McALLEN, Texas (AP) — The Trump administration has initiated a comprehensive review of organizations that provide temporary housing and assistance to migrants, indicating that these groups may have violated laws typically used to prosecute human smugglers. The Department of Homeland Security has expressed "significant concerns" regarding the use of federal grants, particularly those allocated to manage the increase in migration under President Joe Biden's administration.
In a letter dated Tuesday—acquired by The Associated Press—Cameron Hamilton, the acting administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), requested that recipients of grants from FEMA’s Shelter and Services Program submit a list of migrants served along with detailed descriptions of the services provided, within a strict timeframe of 30 days. This correspondence notably states that funding will be paused during the duration of the review.
While the letter does not explicitly threaten criminal prosecution, it raises alarming implications that grant recipients may have breached U.S. Criminal Code Section 1324. This statute pertains to the felony offense of illegally bringing individuals across the U.S. border or transporting them within the nation. Furthermore, the letter mandates that executive officers must provide sworn statements asserting their lack of knowledge or suspicion regarding any potential violations of the smuggling law by their organizations.
FEMA did not offer an immediate response to requests for comments on the matter as of late Wednesday. The agency's actions appear to be a fresh effort to scrutinize organizations that extend critical support—such as food, housing, and travel assistance—to those who have crossed the border. Many migrants arrive exhausted, financially strained, and unsure of how to navigate the complexities of bus stations and airports in the U.S.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican who has clashed with the Biden administration over immigration policies and maintains close ties with the Trump administration, previously employed similar tactics against migrant assistance organizations. However, his measures faced judicial obstruction.
FEMA’s Shelter and Services Program had allocated approximately $641 million to various state and local governments and organizations nationwide for the fiscal year 2024 to assist with the influx of migrants crossing the border from Mexico. Beneficiaries included major cities such as New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Denver, alongside notable organizations like the United Way of Miami, the San Antonio Food Bank, and multiple branches of Catholic Charities.
The correspondence from the Trump administration raises questions about whether any governmental entities received these letters. Historically, the administration has been critical of states, counties, and cities that limit their cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Notably, last month, the administration filed a lawsuit against Chicago, arguing that local laws hindered federal immigration enforcement efforts.
