DHS is taking action against FEMA officials who defied an executive order from President Donald Trump by authorizing payments for migrant housing in New York City. Those responsible for the $59 million payout will be fired, according to DHS officials.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, uncovered the unauthorized payments, which were used to cover accommodations in high-end hotels, including the Roosevelt Hotel. That property is owned by Pakistan International Airlines, a state-run entity. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin confirmed that individuals who acted outside of official directives “will be fired and held accountable.”
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has supported calls for major changes at FEMA, arguing that the agency must be restructured. FEMA’s spending has faced mounting criticism, especially after it struggled to provide resources following Hurricane Helene while continuing to allocate funds for migrant housing.
New York City officials admitted that funds had been received through FEMA’s Shelter and Services Program. Of the $81 million sent to the city, $19 million was used for hotel stays, with the remainder covering food, security, and other expenses. The city insists the funding was part of an earlier agreement and was not directly related to recent policy changes.
Speaker Mike Johnson has addressed concerns about FEMA’s financial management, stating that while the agency’s budgets are separate, taxpayer money should not be used for immigration-related expenses. FEMA’s involvement in migrant housing has led to broader discussions about whether the agency should focus solely on disaster relief.
Trump has indicated that FEMA’s future is under review, suggesting that states could take on more responsibility for handling emergency aid. His administration continues to push for significant budget cuts, including reducing federal spending on programs that do not prioritize American citizens.
