FEMA Staff Shift Sparks Concerns Amidst Hurricane Season
The Trump administration is reallocating FEMA personnel to bolster immigration enforcement efforts, potentially undermining FEMA's hurricane response capability. These transfers, aimed at hiring 10,000 new ICE agents, are being conducted during FEMA's critical operational period. Concerns arise as FEMA staff face mandatory reassignments, impacting disaster preparedness.
The Trump administration's decision to shift Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) employees to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency is raising eyebrows as the U.S. enters hurricane season, reports Reuters. Notices indicate that personnel are being redirected to expedite immigration enforcement hiring, threatening FEMA's operational capacity during this critical period.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees both FEMA and ICE, has issued directives that force affected employees to move to ICE or risk termination. The transfer, involving over 100 staff members, is part of a broader strategy to recruit 10,000 new ICE agents, with the goal of increasing immigration enforcement, a key agenda item for President Donald Trump.
Despite assurances from DHS that the transfers will not impede FEMA's essential functions, former officials argue that the reassignments could severely hinder disaster response efforts. As FEMA grapples with existing staffing shortages, the compulsory nature of these transfers is exacerbating concerns about the agency's readiness to handle emergencies.
Google News