Kristi Noem, DHS Secretary | official facebook
A recent federal court ruling has blocked the reallocation of $233 million in Homeland Security Grant Program funds from several states, including Illinois and New York. The decision was issued by U.S. District Judge Mary S. McElroy, affecting critical grant programs used by state and local governments to address emergencies such as wildfires, floods, tornadoes, cyberattacks, and terrorism.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have publicly criticized the ruling. According to their joint statement, “A single federal judge is holding the nation’s emergency management funds hostage, risking irreparable harm that could cost lives and cause incalculable damage.” They further described the judicial action as an unprecedented overreach that undermines national safety at a time when resilience is needed.
DHS and FEMA highlighted that under Secretary Kristi Noem’s leadership, nearly $3.5 billion in taxpayer dollars had been returned to communities for preparedness efforts against various threats. These reforms were part of a broader review aimed at reducing waste and fraud in FEMA’s grant programs. The agencies argue that halting these changes leaves the country exposed to risks such as illegal immigration, terrorism, antisemitism, and violent extremism.
FEMA’s non-disaster grants support hiring and training firefighters, improving cybersecurity measures, securing infrastructure like ports and transit systems, protecting places of worship and nonprofits, deploying public warning systems, and enhancing defenses against crime.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated: “For too long, FEMA’s outdated programs treated taxpayer money like a free-for-all,” adding that under current leadership there has been a focus on eliminating waste so every dollar strengthens communities. She continued: “This judicial sabotage threatens the safety of our states, counties, towns, and weakens the entire nation. We will fight to restore these critical reforms and protect American lives.”
DHS and FEMA reaffirmed their commitment to effective use of taxpayer resources for building national resilience. They called on courts to reverse what they describe as a dangerous decision so vital programs can continue.
