DHS: FEMA Disaster Aid Operations Uninterrupted Despite Funding Shortfall

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Thursday denied reports that it had suspended the deployment of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) aid workers due to the ongoing government shutdown.

Instead, DHS stated it issued limited guidance restricting travel and “certain operational activities” as a result of the lapse in funding triggered by congressional Democrats amid a dispute over Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

In a statement on X, DHS emphasized: “FEMA travel related to active disasters is NOT canceled and was NEVER canceled.”

The agency clarified that while it had issued specific restrictions, disaster response operations remain ongoing.

“Due to the lapse in federal funding caused by congressional Democrats, DHS issued guidance restricting travel and certain operational activities,” the statement read.

“These limitations are not a choice but are necessary to comply with federal law. FEMA continues to coordinate closely with DHS to ensure effective disaster response under these circumstances,” it continued.

DHS noted that an internal email sent Tuesday night had instructed a temporary halt to all DHS-funded travel, including for disaster-related work. This caused confusion as FEMA teams were responding to 14 active disaster declarations tied to last month’s severe winter storms.

Kurt Weirich, a chief of staff at FEMA, wrote in an internal email: “DHS has issued a stop-travel order for all DHS funded travel, effecting February 18, 2026, for the duration of the lapse in appropriation. Currently this DOES include disaster travel.”

Another internal message from FEMA stated that “ALL travel stopped” and noted that 360 personnel scheduled for trainings and other assignments were told to stand down.

By Wednesday morning, DHS and FEMA officials were working to clarify guidance to ensure disaster-specific workers could continue traveling.

The agency added: “During a funding lapse, FEMA prioritizes life safety and property protection. FEMA continues mission-essential operations for active disasters, including immediate response and critical survivor assistance. While some non-essential activities will be paused or scaled back, FEMA remains committed to supporting communities and responding to incidents like Hurricane Helene.”

DHS also indicated that its clarification had been misrepresented by the press.

The government shutdown stems from Democrats’ demands for new restrictions on federal immigration agents following last month’s fatal shooting of protesters Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis.