DHS Secretary Kristi Noem Halts Migrant Aid, Criticizes NGOs for Not ‘Telling Somebody About Jesus’

Washington, D.C. – Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem announced Wednesday that the agency will suspend federal grant funding for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that assist migrants, arguing that many of these groups are facilitating illegal immigration rather than promoting religious values.

Noem made the declaration during an exclusive interview on Fox News, where she criticized the use of taxpayer dollars for programs she believes are undermining national security. “Today we are announcing that we have stopped all grant funding that’s being abused by NGOs to facilitate illegal immigration into this country,” Noem told host Will Cain.

“So it’s amazing to me the hundreds of millions of dollars that have been spent by the federal government that has been sent to NGOs to facilitate this invasion of our country.” She asserted that taxpayer money should be redirected toward programs that enhance national security rather than what she described as enabling an “invasion” of migrants.

“So I’ve taken action to stop those funds, to reevaluate them, and to make sure that we’re actually using the taxpayer dollars in a way that strengthens this country, that keeps us safe,” she continued. “We’re not spending another dime to help the destruction of this country.”

Noem also spoke about how her perception of NGOs has changed over the years, lamenting that many of these organizations no longer serve the charitable or faith-based missions she once associated with them.

“I was one of those Americans that years ago, when somebody said NGO to me, I thought, oh, that’s amazing,” she explained. “That’s a nonprofit that’s out there telling somebody about Jesus, or spreading faith and salvation, or doing good work and charitable work, helping people that are less fortunate.”

However, Noem claimed her views shifted after realizing what she described as the politicization of these organizations. “And then I realized over the years, it’s been perverted into this shadow government,” she said.

The decision to cut funding for migrant aid NGOs is likely to spark backlash from humanitarian organizations and immigration advocates, who argue that these groups provide essential services such as shelter, food, and legal assistance to vulnerable individuals. Many nonprofit groups working with migrants receive government funding to support their operations, and the suspension of these grants could significantly impact their ability to function.

Critics are also expected to challenge Noem’s reasoning, particularly her assertion that NGOs should play a role in promoting religious teachings. The separation of church and state is a fundamental principle in U.S. governance, and her comments may raise legal and ethical questions about whether government funding decisions should be influenced by religious considerations.

As the administration doubles down on its hardline immigration policies, Noem’s announcement signals a broader effort to reshape how federal resources are allocated in the immigration space. Whether the funding halt will withstand legal and political challenges remains to be seen.