The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has confirmed that multiple Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) employees will be dismissed for illegally authorizing migrant hotel payments after President Donald Trump ordered a halt to such spending. Officials responsible for bypassing federal directives approved $59 million for migrant housing in New York City despite the executive order.
Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), revealed the unauthorized payments on X, detailing that funds were used to place migrants in high-end hotels. Among the locations was the Roosevelt Hotel, a property controlled by Pakistan International Airlines, raising further concerns about where taxpayer money is going.
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin confirmed that employees who violated the order would be removed. “Individuals who circumvented leadership and unilaterally made this payment will be fired and held accountable,” she stated. The revelation has fueled criticism over FEMA’s financial priorities and how the agency allocates taxpayer funds.
The controversy comes as FEMA faces questions about its effectiveness. The agency was widely criticized last year after struggling to provide assistance to victims of Hurricane Helene while continuing to fund migrant housing. House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized that disaster relief and immigration aid come from separate budgets, but the involvement of FEMA in funding migrant accommodations has drawn backlash.
New York City received $81 million in federal funds last week for immigration-related expenses, with $19 million going toward hotel stays for migrants. These payments were processed through FEMA’s Shelter and Services Program, which reimburses cities for the cost of housing illegal immigrants.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has suggested that FEMA needs a complete overhaul. She criticized the agency for mishandling funds and called for reforms that could shift its responsibilities to state governments. Trump has also stated that FEMA’s role should be reassessed, arguing that taxpayer money must be better managed.
