DHS Secretary Kristi Noem recently suggested that FEMA should be eliminated in its current form, following concerns over its spending practices. The agency, under review by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has reportedly spent millions on hotels for illegal immigrants, despite a lack of funds for disaster relief during Hurricane Helene. Elon Musk, who is heading the DOGE, claimed that FEMA sent $59 million to luxury hotels in New York City last week to house illegal migrants.

Musk criticized this move, arguing that the money was intended for disaster relief and that spending it on immigrants violated the law and President Trump’s executive order reviewing FEMA’s effectiveness. Speaker Mike Johnson also clarified that emergency relief funds should not be used for immigration-related expenses. FEMA’s partnership with Customs and Border Protection administers funds for the Shelter and Services Program, which aids illegal immigrants, but it was pointed out that these funds should not be diverted from their intended purpose.

A spokesperson for New York City confirmed receiving funds for housing illegal immigrants, but clarified that this was not disaster relief money. Of the $59.3 million, $19 million went toward hotel costs, while the remainder covered food and security. The Department of Homeland Security stated that individuals who made this payment without proper authorization would be held accountable.

Secretary Noem’s comments about eliminating FEMA in its current form come after continued frustration over its involvement in the border crisis. Some Republican lawmakers have warned that FEMA’s role in addressing immigration could undermine its ability to respond effectively to natural disasters. President Trump has also criticized FEMA, suggesting that states should have more control over disaster funding, and even floated the idea of eliminating the agency in its current structure.