The Trump administration has launched a review of organizations that provide temporary housing and other aid to immigrants, suggesting that it may have violated the laws used to prosecute smugglers.
The Department of Homeland Security has “significant concerns” that federal grants that were used to address the surge in migration under former President Joe Biden were used for illegal activities, wrote Cameron Hamilton, acting manager of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
His letter was made Tuesday, and his letter, obtained by the Associated Press, asks recipients of grants from FEMA Shelter and Services Programs to provide immigrant names and contact information to be provided within 30 days and a “detailed and descriptive list of the specific services provided.”
The letter states that funds will be withheld during the review.
While it does not expressly threaten criminal prosecution, there are concerns that the recipient may be violating Section 1324 of the US Criminal Code.
The executive officer also states that he must sign a statement of oath that he has no knowledge or doubts of anyone within the organization that violates the smuggling laws.
FEMA did not immediately respond to requests for comment late Wednesday.
This demand looks like a new salvo for organizations providing food, housing and travel assistance to people across borders.
Immigrants often arrive exhausted, have little money and don't know how to navigate on their own through bus stations and airports.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, is in close quarrel with the Biden administration over immigration, and has taken similar tacks against immigration aid groups, but was blocked in court.
FEMA's Shelter and Services Program awarded $641 million to state and local governments and organizations nationwide in 2024, helping to deal with the large number of migrants from Mexico across the border.
It includes cities in New York, Philadelphia, Chicago and Denver, United Way in Miami, the San Antonio Food Bank and several chapters of Catholic charities.
It was unclear whether the government received the letter, but the Trump administration has vehemently criticised states, counties and cities that restrict cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Last month it sued Chicago over a law that said it obstructed federal law enforcement.
