October 14, 2025
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Judge: DHS can’t tie FEMA aid to immigration cooperation, calls tactic ‘bullying’

A federal judge ruled that the Department of Homeland Security cannot condition FEMA disaster aid on state cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, issuing an injunction barring the DHS-imposed eligibility requirement. In his opinion the judge said DHS was "bullying" states into accepting those immigration-enforcement conditions, a prohibition that affects states and localities including Minnesota.

Legal Local Government

📌 Key Facts

  • A federal judge ruled that the Department of Homeland Security cannot condition access to FEMA disaster aid on state or local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
  • The court issued an injunction blocking the DHS-imposed eligibility condition for FEMA assistance.
  • The judge accused DHS of 'bullying' states into accepting immigration-enforcement conditions to obtain FEMA money.
  • The ruling applies to states and localities, explicitly including jurisdictions in Minnesota.
  • The opinion includes direct judicial language and quotes elaborating the court's reasoning beyond the mere fact of the injunction.

📰 Sources (2)

Judge accuses Homeland Security of bullying states into accepting conditions to get FEMA money
Twincities by Associated Press October 14, 2025
New information:
  • The judge accused DHS of 'bullying' states into accepting immigration-enforcement conditions to access FEMA disaster money.
  • Adds direct judicial language/quotes from the ruling beyond the fact of the injunction.
  • Reiterates that the DHS-imposed condition on FEMA eligibility is barred, affecting states and localities, including those in Minnesota.