FEMA Lacks Funds for Hurricanes Following $640.9M Allocation to Migrant Assistance

WASHINGTON — Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas sparked controversy Wednesday after informing reporters that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) “does not have the funds” to support Americans through the remainder of the Atlantic hurricane season. This statement came following the department’s extensive use of emergency funds this year to handle the migrant crisis.

“We are meeting the immediate needs with the money that we have,” Mayorkas said during a press briefing aboard Air Force One while traveling to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Helene in South and North Carolina.

“We are expecting another hurricane hitting,” he continued. “We do not have the funds. FEMA does not have the funds to make it through the season and what — what is imminent.”

Criticism quickly followed, as many pointed out that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had diverted $640.9 million in FEMA-managed funds this year to help state and local governments manage the surge of asylum seekers.

“This is easy. Mayorkas and FEMA — immediately stop spending money on illegal immigration resettlement and redirect those funds to areas hit by the hurricane. Put Americans first,” Texas Governor Greg Abbott tweeted in response on Wednesday.

Abbott, one of Mayorkas’ most vocal opponents, has been critical of the Biden administration’s handling of immigration. After the president reversed the Trump-era “Remain in Mexico” policy, Abbott began bussing migrants to Democrat-led cities like New York, forcing local governments to make budget adjustments to accommodate them.

Last year, DHS allocated $780 million for the migrant crisis through FEMA’s Shelter and Services Program and the Emergency Food and Shelter Program.

In contrast, a mere $4 million has been distributed directly to individuals and families in the week following Hurricane Helene, which devastated the Southeast, leading to at least 202 deaths and widespread flooding from Florida to North Carolina. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed the disbursement of these funds Thursday, noting they came from a $10 million FEMA allocation that provides storm victims with grants of $750 for essential needs like groceries.

During a briefing on Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, President Biden remarked Wednesday, “It’s going to cost billions of dollars to deal with this storm and all the communities affected. And Congress has an obligation to ensure the states have the resources they need.”

Biden’s comments provoked further backlash from congressional Republicans, who are not scheduled to return to session until after Election Day.

“FEMA spending over a billion dollars on illegals while they leave Americans stranded and without help is treasonous. U.S. citizens are dying. Pray for our country folks,” tweeted Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.).

Rep. Eli Crane (R-Ariz.) added: “‘The Biden-Harris FEMA spent over $1 BILLION on funding illegal aliens. America LAST.”

Tim Murtaugh, an adviser to former President Trump, weighed in as well, stating: “DHS says FEMA might not have enough cash to help people through hurricane season. But in 2 years of a new Biden-Harris program, they’ve spent $1 BILLION on housing and other services for migrants.”