Additional Coverage:
- Top border official: Disaster funds have “absolutely not” been diverted for migrants (newsbreak.com)
Top Border Official Denies Redirection of Disaster Funds for Migrants
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Troy Miller has refuted claims that hurricane and disaster relief funds are being diverted to cover the costs of caring for migrants.
Miller emphasized that the Shelter and Services Program, which reimburses organizations assisting migrants, is funded independently by Congress and has no connection to disaster relief funds. He stated that “none” of the disaster recovery funds are being used for migrant care.
CBP Assists in Hurricane Recovery
CBP is actively assisting in search-and-rescue efforts in Florida after Hurricane Milton. Teams from various CBP branches are assisting those affected by the storm.
False Claims About FEMA and Migrant Funds
False claims have circulated online, particularly following Hurricane Helene, alleging that FEMA disaster funds are being used for migrant care. These claims have been fueled by former President Donald Trump and other Republican politicians.
However, the FEMA and CBP migrant care fund is a congressionally created program that has been in place since the Trump administration. The program reimburses organizations and communities for housing, feeding, and assisting migrants released from federal custody.
Funding Allocation
The funding for migrant care is a fraction of the money allocated for FEMA’s disaster relief efforts. No funds from FEMA’s disaster relief pool have been diverted for migrant care.
Trump Administration Diversion
In 2019, the Trump administration did redirect FEMA disaster relief funds for its immigration policies, including facilities for asylum seekers in the “Remain in Mexico” program. However, this diversion was separate from the Shelter and Services Program and has no bearing on the current situation.