Karine Jean-Pierre Incorrectly States FEMA Isn’t Funding Migrant Resettlement During Hurricane Helene

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre falsely claimed this week that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has not been using its funds to house illegal immigrants, despite clear evidence to the contrary. The denial came during a press briefing, as concerns mount over FEMA’s ability to respond to natural disasters amid its strained budget, especially in the wake of Hurricane Helene, which claimed over 160 lives.

When asked whether FEMA funds had been redirected to support illegal migrants, Jean-Pierre categorically denied it, calling the claim “false” and “a false statement.” However, FEMA’s own records show that under the Biden-Harris administration, the agency has diverted hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars to house and resettle illegal immigrants.

FEMA itself has acknowledged that its funding is being used to address the surge of illegal immigrants entering the U.S. In fact, the agency announced that it had allocated over $360 million in 2023 for this purpose through its “Shelter and Services Program,” a figure that has ballooned to $650 million for fiscal year 2024. This program provides non-federal entities with resources to house, feed, and transport migrants, with some funds covering expenses like hotel stays and airfare.

Despite these facts, Jean-Pierre’s denial comes at a time when FEMA is struggling to meet the demands of a brutal hurricane season. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas recently warned that FEMA lacks sufficient funding to sustain critical operations through the remainder of the hurricane season, raising concerns about the agency's ability to respond to future disasters effectively.

FEMA’s core mission, as stated by the agency, is to help people “before, during, and after disasters.” Yet, with the administration funneling significant resources toward migrant resettlement, states hit hard by natural disasters like Hurricane Helene are left with fewer resources to rebuild and recover. The hurricane, which caused widespread devastation, highlights the pressing need for FEMA to focus on its original purpose disaster relief not the ongoing immigration crisis.

As the Biden administration continues to face criticism for its lax border policies, the diversion of funds meant for disaster recovery is further eroding trust in its leadership. FEMA’s decision to prioritize housing illegal immigrants over fortifying disaster responses raises troubling questions about the administration’s handling of national emergencies.

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