LOUISBURG, N.C. (WNCN) — A North Carolina sheriff says the $59 million FEMA took back from New York City for sheltering migrants should go to Hurricane Helene survivors in the mountains, according to NewsNation affiliate WNCN. In Sept. 2024, Hurricane Helene caused historic flooding, over 100 deaths, and 74,000 damaged homes in western North Carolina alone.
FEMA takes funding from NYC
The Federal Emergency Management Agency took more than $80 million from New York City, according to officials. This has escalated a dispute between President Donald Trump’s administration and the nation’s largest city over money for sheltering migrants.
The grants were applied for and awarded during the administration of former President Joe Biden but were not disbursed until last week, according to city officials. Soon after, Trump adviser Elon Musk flagged $59 million in payments, writing on X that his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) had discovered the money was used to house migrants in “luxury hotels.” Musk gave no evidence to support his claim.
Gone is a $59 million grant that the administration challenged earlier in the week and another award for $21.5 million, City Comptroller Brad Lander said.
Why was NYC funding for housing migrants taken?
FEMA’s acting administrator said in court documents filed Tuesday that the money was being taken over concerns about “illegal activities” at a hotel. In the last two years, New York City has leased several budget hotels and other vacant buildings, turning them into migrant shelters.
Most of the former hotels leased by the city are occupied by families with children. The Associated Press reported that none would be considered “luxury” by most traveler standards.
Where should NYC funding for sheltering migrants go?
On Monday, before the funds were officially taken back from New York City, Franklin County Sheriff Kevin White said the money should go to North Carolina residents.
“FEMA should IMMEDIATELY direct those funds toward housing US taxpayers in Western North Carolina,” White wrote on social media. “These folks have been in dire straits for months.” Sheriff White echoed the notion from Musk that immigrants had lived for free in “luxury hotels.”
“Recent audits by DOGE have uncovered that FEMA sent $59 Million to New York City Luxury Hotels for the purposes of housing illegal aliens,” White wrote.