New York is fighting back against a federal move that could strip the state of over $100 million in emergency preparedness and national security funding.
Attorney General Letitia James announced on September 29 that she has joined a multistate lawsuit to stop the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from diverting FEMA funds away from states that have not aligned with the administration’s immigration enforcement policies. At stake are critical federal dollars that support law enforcement training, counter-terrorism efforts, and emergency response programs across New York.
“This is an illegal attempt to pressure states into supporting mass deportation efforts by cutting off vital safety funding,” said Attorney General James. “Our first responders and public safety teams rely on this money to protect communities. I won’t let Washington play politics with New Yorkers’ safety.”
The funds come from the Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP), which allocates resources for disaster planning, terrorism prevention, and infrastructure protection. New York has seen a staggering 77% reduction—more than $100 million—including cuts to the Urban Area Security Initiative, which supports NYPD and FDNY operations in high-risk areas.
James and 11 other attorneys general argue the funding shift violates the law and the Administrative Procedure Act. They are seeking a court order to stop the reallocations and restore the full federal funding originally authorized by Congress.
Earlier this year, the same coalition successfully challenged DHS’s attempt to tie disaster relief funding to immigration enforcement cooperation. Despite that ruling, the federal government moved forward with a new plan to redirect even more funding away from states like New York.
Joining the lawsuit with New York are the attorneys general of California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia.
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