Federal Court Blocks FEMA From Halting Over $230 Million Emergency Grants To States

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has paused the distribution of Emergency Management Performance Grants, totaling over $300 million, pending states' proof of population counts amid concerns about inflated payments based on population data. This unprecedented move requires states to certify their population methodology, excluding individuals removed under immigration laws, before funds are released, a measure FEMA says is necessary due to recent population shifts including deportations. Concurrently, a coalition of more than 25 U.S. cities and counties, alongside twelve state attorneys general, has filed lawsuits challenging the Trump administration's conditions on FEMA and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grants, alleging unlawful reallocation of funds to states aligned with President Trump's immigration policies and a reduction in funding by over 50% for some states. A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order preventing FEMA from withholding over $233 million in Homeland Security Grant Program funds from these states. Plaintiffs argue that these grants are critical for emergency preparedness, first responder training, and cybersecurity, and accuse the administration of politicizing disaster relief funding. The legal challenges highlight ongoing disputes over grant allocations and federal conditions tied to immigration enforcement policies under the current administration.