Sec. Noem says Homeland Security will freeze grants to non-governmental organizations

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem made a significant announcement on Wednesday, revealing that the department has halted all grant funding to nonprofits that operate independently of government oversight. Noem expressed concerns that these organizations have been exploited to fuel illegal immigration, referring to them as a “shadow government.”

According to Noem, certain non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have been complicit in aiding illegal immigrants in crossing the U.S. border. She highlighted that some of these NGOs have established operations in Mexico, actively encouraging individuals to cross the border unlawfully.

Speaking on the Will Cain Show on Fox News Channel, Noem emphasized the extent of the issue, stating, “Many of these NGOs actually have infrastructure and operations set up in Mexico, on that side of the border, and are telling those illegal immigrants to come to them, and they will get them across the border.”

In an effort to address this pressing concern, Noem announced the immediate suspension of grant funding to these nonprofits. She asserted the necessity of reassessing the allocation of taxpayer dollars to ensure they are directed towards legitimate and secure initiatives.

Noem expressed her resolve to combat the misuse of funds, stating, “Until an evaluation is completed, Noem said the department is ‘not spending another dime to help the destruction of this country.'”

Furthermore, Noem raised the issue of national security risks posed by certain NGOs, cautioning that not all organizations are as they appear. She underscored the need to scrutinize the operations of these entities to safeguard the country’s interests.

The Secretary of Homeland Security shed light on the perversion of NGOs, noting that these groups have evolved into a parallel governance structure that utilizes taxpayer funds for purposes beyond the government’s legal jurisdiction. Noem underscored the critical importance of addressing these vulnerabilities in the system to prevent further exploitation.

NGOs play a diverse role in society, ranging from political advocacy groups to religious organizations and labor unions. While there are no explicit regulations prohibiting foreign funding of NGOs, concerns have been raised about the potential implications of external influence on these organizations.

In 2024, the United States allocated over $380 million towards sheltering and service programs for illegal immigrants. Noem’s decisive actions underscore the government’s commitment to upholding national security and ensuring that taxpayer funds are utilized responsibly.

As the Department of Homeland Security takes proactive measures to address these challenges, it is imperative to maintain vigilance and oversight to safeguard against exploitation and uphold the integrity of the nation’s immigration policies.