Former President Donald Trump and his supporters have been spreading false claims that federal emergency disaster money was given to migrants in the U.S. illegally. These claims gained traction after Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas requested more money for hurricane season. FEMA has clarified that no money from disaster relief funds has been diverted to support international efforts or border-related issues.
FEMA did administer funds from Customs and Border Protection to help cities and counties that served migrants, but that program is separate from FEMA’s disaster relief fund. It is illegal to use funding appropriated for one purpose for another. Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for FEMA cash assistance programs.
Efforts to clarify the funding situation have been made, but false claims continue to spread, including from Rep. Jim Jordan and Elon Musk. Mayorkas stated that FEMA does not have enough funds to cover expected damage from another hurricane hitting this season.
President Joe Biden has overseen the distribution of over $45 million to those affected by Hurricane Helene, with 245,000 people applying for assistance. The lack of a consistent federal budget has contributed to the funding issues. FEMA is currently funded through a continuing resolution, creating uncertainty for long-term disaster recovery efforts.
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