Over 100 FEMA Staff Shifted to ICE Amid Concerns

The Department of Homeland Security has temporarily reassigned over 100 FEMA employees—including about half of its human resources and much of its security teams—to ICE to help accelerate the hiring of 10,000 new agents, a move made possible by the recent 'One Big Beautiful Bill.' DHS maintains that this reassignment will not impair FEMA's disaster response, but agency insiders warn it could slow operations during the peak of hurricane season and ongoing emergencies. Many FEMA staff affected are on probation and faced termination if they refused the reassignment, raising legal and operational concerns. Critics argue that the shift reflects ICE's persistent staffing shortages and low morale, as well as a broader effort to diminish FEMA’s authority and devolve disaster response to states. The move coincides with a substantial ICE budget increase and continued reductions in FEMA’s workforce, intensifying concerns about FEMA’s readiness. Despite official assurances, doubts remain about FEMA’s preparedness for upcoming disasters.