Judge Orders FEMA to Release Withheld Grants to Democratic-Led States

The court ruled that FEMA's manual review process violated a prior injunction, covertly targeting sanctuary cities in defiance of judicial orders.

U.S. District Judge John McConnell ruled that FEMA violated a court order by withholding millions in grants to Democratic-led states.
The judge found that FEMA's manual review process imposed an indefinite pause on payments, effectively implementing a rescinded OMB directive.
McConnell determined that the process covertly aimed to enforce President Trump's executive order targeting sanctuary cities.
The Justice Department argued that the review process was a procedural change, not a funding freeze, but the court rejected this claim.
FEMA has been ordered to disburse the funds, but the agency has not yet commented on the ruling or indicated its compliance plans.