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2.0

DHS Revokes $80 Million in FEMA Funds Allocated to NYC to House Migrants and Fires FEMA Officials Involved in Transfer

  1. Original Date Announced

    February 12, 2025

    DHS reversed the transfer of $80 million in FEMA funds allocated to New York City to help fund shelter for migrants. The previous day, the Trump Administration confirmed it fired FEMA Chief Financial Officer Mary Comans and three other FEMA employees for disbursing the funds to NYC.

    Trump 2.0 [Policy ID #1535]

    DHS Secretary post on X, confirming revocation of FEMA funds
  2. Effective Date

    February 12, 2025
  3. Subsequent Trump and Court Action(s)

    • February 21, 2025

      2025.02.21_Complaint, City of New York v. Trump 1-25-cv-01510 (S.D.N.Y Feb. 21, 2025)

      The City of New York filed a lawsuit in the Southern District of New York challenging the clawback of FEMA funds as being in excess of authority and procedurally unlawful, violating the Due Process Clause, the separation of powers doctrine, and the Spending Clause. New York City seeks injunctive relief including the return of $80 million and enjoining further FEMA funding reversal or withholding. The City of New York v. Trump, 1:25-cv-01510 (S.D.N.Y.). The judge denied preliminary relief, see https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/05/eric-adams-trump-grant-migrants-00214597

      **Litigation entries are limited to initial complaints and major substantive rulings. For pleadings and additional information, use name and docket number to search  Civil Rights Clearinghouse and CourtListener or visit Just Security Litigation Tracker**

      View Document
    • March 4, 2025

      2025.03.04 Complaint - Comans v. DHS

      Mary Comans, former FEMA Chief Financial Officer, filed suit in D.C. District Court against DHS and FEMA, seeking declaratory relief and damages. She alleges she was unlawfully terminated from her position as a member of the Senior Executive Service without cause or due process. She also claims DHS improperly disclosed private records about her termination and falsely portrayed her actions as criminal, constituting defamation per se. Comans v. DHS, 1:25-cv-00624 (D.D.C.).

      *See litigation note above*

      View Document

Current Status

None

Original Trump Policy Status

Trump Administration Action: Agency Directive
Subject Matter: Humanitarian
Agencies Affected: FEMA

Commentary

  • "Top FEMA Official is Fired Over Payments to N.Y.C. Migrant Shelters," New York Times

    New York Times reporting on the firing of four FEMA officials.

    Go to article
  • "New York Got $80 Million for Migrants. The White House Took it Back," New York Times

    New York Times reporting on the revocation of FEMA funds from NYC.

    Go to article
  • 2025.02.12 Statement from NYC Comptroller Lander on the Trump Administration’s Illegal Reversal of FEMA Funding /Office of the New York City Comptroller Brad Lander

    Press release from the New York City Comptroller confirming that FEMA revoked $80 million in congressionally-appropriated funding from New York City's bank accounts.

    Go to article

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