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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. One day prior, 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

      2025.3.20 City of New York v. Trump, 1:25-cv-01510-JHR (S.D.N.Y.) - Amended Complaint

      The City of New York filed a lawsuit in the Southern District of New York challenging the clawback of FEMA funds as an 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. 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.

      On March 20, 2025, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint, which is the version included in this entry.

      **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 unlawful termination from her Senior Executive Service position 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
    • April 8, 2025

      2025.04.08 FEMA Tells New York to Fork Over Another $106 Million in Migrant Grants - New York Times

      The New York Times reports that FEMA has compelled New York City "to turn over an additional $106 million" in terminated grants. This comes after the "$80 million that FEMA clawed back in February" and brings the total terminated grants to $188 million. FEMA claims that the grant money to care for migrants was "being used to support illegal immigration" and is "not consistent" with the Trump administration's "mission." NYC Mayor Eric Adams indicated the city would "take legal action to recover the additional money, which has already been spent."

      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
  • 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

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

    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

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