Homeland Security Chief Kristi Noem has halted government funding for progressive groups that assist migrants, citing concerns over taxpayer dollars being used to "facilitate illegal immigration," Breitbart reported.
Noem has suspended federal funding for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that provide aid to migrants pending a 90-day review, announcing the decision Wednesday during an appearance on Fox News' "The Will Cain Show," saying the grants had been misused to enable illegal immigration.
"It's amazing to me the hundreds of millions of dollars that have been spent by the federal government that has been sent to NGOs to facilitate this invasion of our country," Noem said.
The funding freeze comes amid heightened debate over immigration policy and border security, key issues in President Donald Trump's campaign promises.
Noem, a staunch Trump ally, argued that the move was necessary to safeguard taxpayer dollars.
"So, I've taken action to stop those funds, to reevaluate them, and to make sure that we're actually using the taxpayer dollars in a way that strengthens this country that keeps us safe," she said.
While the Department of Homeland Security conducts the review, Noem emphasized that the administration is committed to prioritizing border security and deporting those illegally entering the country.
"We're not spending another dime to help the destruction of this country," Noem said. "We're going to make sure that we follow through on what President Trump has promised and that's to make sure we are securing our borders, deporting those who are here illegally and committing criminal actions, and that our taxpayer dollars aren't spent to help it."
The announcement followed some Democrats' claims that Trump was attempting to halt federal spending on essential programs, including education and Social Security. However, Noem's move specifically targeted funds directed to migrant aid groups.
Rep. Lance Gooden, R-Texas, has been vocal in his opposition to using taxpayer funds for NGOs assisting migrants. He recently wrote on his congressional website that such groups have exploited their humanitarian status to encourage illegal immigration.
"These organizations, understanding the benefits of NGO status, have been exploiting the humanitarian banner to incentivize illegal immigration across our borders. They receive taxpayer dollars to house, feed, and transport illegal immigrants across the United States. Their services act as a magnet for illegal immigrants looking to enter our country," Gooden wrote.
"When NGOs enable illegal border crossings, they create avenues that can be exploited by individuals who pose a risk to our security," he said. "This practice undermines the efforts of countless individuals who've gone through the legal process to immigrate into our country."
The role of NGOs in assisting migrants has long been a contentious issue.
In 2023, NewsNation reported that some groups used federal dollars to relocate undocumented immigrants across the country, while the Biden administration's Department of Homeland Security struggled to track how the funds were spent.