Feds Freeze $10M for Pima County Migrant Shelters, Suggest Local Officials Complicit in Illegal Housing

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced its decision to withhold funds from Pima County for the operation of migrant shelters. This decision stems from allegations that federal dollars have been misused to facilitate illegal immigration. Pima County has been instrumental in aiding over half a million migrants during the past six years, costing approximately $120 million—all legally processed by immigration officials.

At the center of the dispute is about $10 million that the federal government still owes the county for incurred costs. Pima County Administrator Jan Lesher informed the Board of Supervisors this week that FEMA had sent a letter indicating a temporary halt on payments for the Shelter and Services Program (SSP), which has disbursed more than $117 million to help the county assist roughly 518,000 asylum seekers.

Concerns raised by DHS are largely based on the claim that SSP funding is directed toward entities engaged in illegal activities, according to Cameron Hamilton, the acting FEMA administrator. The letter included demands for detailed information about each migrant served, including their names and services provided, which raised eyebrows among county officials.

Lesher reassured the Board of Supervisors that all migrants assisted by the program had been processed and released by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). She characterized DHS’s scrutiny as welcome, asserting that the county’s practices ensured that taxpayer money was not misallocated.

The ongoing situation has led to complications in the ongoing review of funds. Lesher revealed that approximately $7 million remains unreleased under the grant program, with a detailed review indicating that around $10 million is still owed. Recent spending reports showed expenditures climbing to $2 million a week during peak periods, although it has since decreased to around $200,000.

For nearly six years, Pima County collaborated with Catholic Community Services, ensuring the humane treatment of migrants released by CBP. This partnership largely prevented negative outcomes for asylum seekers who would otherwise be released onto the streets without adequate resources, county officials emphasized.

Similar programs in Yuma and Maricopa counties have also received praise for aiding asylum seekers. Lesher noted that the same FEMA letter issued to Pima County was also sent to officials in Arizona state and nearby counties.

Throughout this initiative, DHS funding has been vital. The SSP program successfully channeled millions of dollars to various regions, including $55 million to Arizona last April. According to Lesher, all funding allocated to the county was sanctioned through typical competitive processes, with DHS fully aware of the ongoing operations.

Despite the challenges, Lesher expressed optimism that the review would result in restoring financial support for expenses incurred legally by the county. The pause in funding raises potential risks to the continued aid efforts that have helped hundreds of thousands, ensuring that individuals seeking refuge are treated humanely and legally.

As Pima County winds down its shelter efforts, Lesher remains proud of the humanitarian program’s accomplishments, highlighting the collaborative spirit of local governments, organizations, and volunteers that sustained the initiative throughout its duration.