This week, it was announced that ICE would be receiving additional funding from FEMA.
In response, Florida rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D) has released a statement questioning FEMA’s hurricane preparedness after announcing that they would be transferring some of the agency’s funds to ICE.
As a member of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and Hispanic Caucus, rep. Mucarsel-Powell directed a letter to FEMA’s Acting Administrator Pete Gaynor expressing her concerns over the recent news.
In the letter, Mucarsel-Powell stated that “the Administration’s reckless decision to transfer millions of dollars from your agency in favor of detaining additional families under the authority of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) violates the basic tenets of separation of powers.”
Moreover, she argued that “in the midst of hurricane season, and with Hurricane Dorian expected to impact both Puerto Rico and Florida in the coming days, it is imperative that your agency remains fully funded and properly equipped to respond to any natural disaster.”
Mucarsel-Powell expressed that “to that end, the recent DHS announcement to reprogram funds from your agency raises serious questions about FEMA’s hurricane preparedness and ability to respond to natural disasters.”
In the letter, Mucarsel-Powell is troubled by the information, pressing FEMA to answer questions dealing with their preparedness for potential hurricanes and any natural disasters, which includes how the transfer of funds could negatively impact their ability to distribute funds for Irma recovery to Monroe and Miami-Dade Counties.
