Pima County Takes Legal Action Against Trump Administration Over $10M Migrant Shelter Funds

Pima County, alongside officials from Denver and Chicago, has initiated a lawsuit against the Trump administration concerning withheld funds for migrant shelters. These funds were designated to operate shelters for asylum seekers released by federal authorities.

In March, FEMA notified Pima County that it would temporarily suspend payments for the Shelter and Services Program, which has historically provided over $117 million in federal assistance to help shelter around 518,000 asylum seekers, including families with children.

This notification, sent to numerous local governments, indicated an investigation into potential violations of federal law related to “harboring” processed asylum seekers. FEMA requested personal information on each migrant, which Pima County officials criticized as duplicative and a “red herring.”

The withholding of funds has cost Pima County about $10 million, according to County Administrator Jan Lesher.

The lawsuit was filed in the Northern District of Illinois, asserting that FEMA’s actions overstep congressional authority and labeling the investigation rationale as baseless. Pima County Board Chair Rex Scott expressed frustration over the shifting guidelines and lack of communication from FEMA.

“Immigration is a federal responsibility,” Scott remarked. “We stated our intention to provide shelter only if federal funds were guaranteed.” He indicated that the refusal to release congressionally-approved funds compelled them to seek judicial intervention.

In their 53-page complaint, the involved localities allege that FEMA has unjustly delayed reimbursements for months. Chicago officials have waited 99 days, while Pima County has endured a delay of 161 days. They also raised concerns over FEMA’s removal of access to an online payment portal while simultaneously demanding comprehensive documentation.

In a March letter, former Acting FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton cited concerns regarding potential illegal activities by funding recipients as reason for withholding payments. The lawsuit details how FEMA requested extensive information about individual migrants’ services, despite the county having already submitted the required details.

On numerous occasions, Pima County has provided all requested documentation, only to be met with silence from FEMA regarding reimbursement. The county previously coordinated with local service organizations to facilitate necessary support for migrants, emphasizing the humanitarian aspect of their operations.

Historically, Pima County received federal funds to support migrants post-release by Customs and Border Protection, a partnership established in 2019 under the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Humanitarian Assistance and Security at the Southern Border Act, signed into law by Trump.

As the legal dispute unfolds, it highlights a broader issue regarding the federal administration’s shifting stance on funding crucial programs aimed at helping vulnerable populations.

In January, Lesher noted the termination of shelter efforts due to a lack of releases. “This program has been a significant humanitarian initiative,” she reflected, acknowledging contributions from local agencies and volunteers.