FEMA's Statement and Arizona's Reaction
FEMA, a subagency of the Department of Homeland Security that oversees federal disaster assistance, clarified its stance on the border during an email exchange with staff from Democrat Arizona Rep. Ruben Gallego.
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The representative extended an invitation to FEMA officials to visit the border, a gesture aimed at addressing the diversion of substantial funds away from Arizona.
Arizona's Perspective on the Crisis
Representative Gallego highlighted the significant role Arizona’s border communities have played amidst the border crisis.
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He expressed his concerns over the perceived lack of communication and assistance from the federal administration. The most alarming issue, according to Gallego, was FEMA’s decision to reroute funds intended for border assistance.
Invitation to FEMA's Administrator
On September 19, Rep. Gallego sent a private letter, which Fox News Digital exclusively obtained, to FEMA’s Administrator, Deanne Criswell.
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In this letter, he invited her to visit and personally witness the immigration-related challenges faced by Arizona’s border communities. Gallego believed such a visit would provide invaluable insights.
FEMA's Official Response
A month after the invitation was extended, on October 13, an official from FEMA responded. The agency expressed that addressing border issues was not within their defined mission.
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They further suggested that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) would be better suited to lead any border tours. Additionally, FEMA’s understanding is that the Shelter and Services Program (SSP) falls under CBP’s responsibility.
The Shelter and Services Program (SSP)
The SSP was established by Congress through the 2023 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act. The program’s objective is to offer support for non-Federal entities in providing shelter and related activities.
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This support aims to relieve overcrowding in short-term holding facilities. Interestingly, the 2023 DHS funding bill earmarked $363.8 million specifically for FEMA, not CBP, to oversee the SSP.
SSP Funding Distribution
Data reviewed by Fox News Digital indicates FEMA’s allocation of SSP funds. Arizona’s Pima County received $12.1 million, and another $19.7 million was channeled to support the World Hunger Ecumenical Arizona Task Force’s operations across various counties.
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However, this pales in comparison to allocations for other regions. New York City, for instance, received more than $106 million from the SSP.
Financial Assistance to Cities
Other cities and states have also seen substantial federal assistance. While Arizona’s allocation might seem modest, regions like Illinois, Chicago, Colorado, Denver, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Boston, Minneapolis, and Philadelphia collectively received tens of millions in federal SSP funding.
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These funds have been vital in assisting these areas to manage the influx of migrants and the resulting strain on local services.
New York City's Request for Aid
New York City’s Mayor, Eric Adams, met with Administrator Criswell earlier in the year. In April, two months prior to FEMA allocating $106 million in SSP funds to his government, Adams had personally requested such financial assistance.
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The substantial amount received by New York demonstrates the significant differences in allocations to various regions.
Gallego's Worries and FEMA's Actions
In his letter to Criswell, Gallego stressed the consequences of reduced SSP funding to border states like Arizona. He expressed concerns that the decreased funding would force local governments to utilize funds from their annual budgets.
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Gallego asserted that a firsthand visit by FEMA would shed light on the daily challenges faced by local leaders and nonprofits in the state.
Ongoing Dialogue and Criticism
Representative Gallego’s correspondence has not been limited to Criswell. He has penned multiple letters addressing FEMA’s handling of SSP funds to various officials, including President Biden and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
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Through these letters, Gallego has echoed the concerns of local officials, emphasizing the need for more resources.
Southwest Border's Growing Concerns
While discussions and disagreements over funding allocations continue, the Southwest border faces a surge in migrant activity. Government data shows a staggering 260,000 border encounters in September, a record number.
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With thousands crossing into Arizona daily, the state’s concerns over the migrant situation and the necessary resources to manage it continue to intensify.