FEMA

Florida’s emergency managers spent more than $405 million in taxpayer dollars in six months to fight illegal immigration, but that doesn’t just include law enforcement, state spending records show: It covers private jet flights, restaurant meals, and badges.

As of Jan. 28, the Federal Emergency Management Agency had 18 disaster declaration applications awaiting President Donald Trump’s approval. Eleven are more than a month old and some date back to October 2025.

Thousands of employees whose contracts end this year will lose their jobs, FEMA managers said at personnel meetings this week. The cuts could hobble the nation's disaster agency.

A Miami federal grand jury returned an indictment against South Florida Democratic Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and several co-defendants, alleging that she and the others stole federal disaster funds, laundered the proceeds, and used the cash to support her 2021 congressional election campaign, federal prosecutors said Wednesday.

The state of Florida has secured $608 million in federal reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for opening and operating "Alligator Alcatraz," the controversial immigration detention in the Everglades, WPLG Local 10 News reported Thursday.

For months, the complaints have rolled in from parts of the country hit by natural disasters: The Federal Emergency Management Agency was moving far too slowly in sending aid to communities ravaged by floods and hurricanes, including in central Texas and North Carolina. Many officials were blaming Kristi Noem, the homeland security secretary, whose agency oversees FEMA.

More than 180 current and former FEMA employees have published a letter warning of potential disaster due to cuts in the agency. The letter coincides with the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, highlighting concerns about management and capacity at FEMA.

A Miami Herald investigation reveals that in Florida, it’s difficult for the public to identify flood-prone neighborhoods and nearly impossible for prospective buyers to find the history of individual homes.

The abrupt change came the day after Cameron Hamilton, a former Navy SEAL who held the job for the last few months, testified on Capitol Hill that he did not agree with proposals to dismantle an organization that helps plan for natural disasters and distributes financial assistance.

To help homes survive more intense disasters, FEMA has been developing recommendations for stronger building codes. The Trump Administration has pulled them back.

President Trump has pledged to reform FEMA, while suggesting it should be done away with. Two Floridians who used to lead the agency told WLRN they support the process — but caution federal emergency management is needed. Few states have as much at stake as Florida.

Many undocumented people are not eligible for federal financial disaster aid and several remain fearful even when help is offered.