A federal judge blocked New York City’s demand for President Donald Trump’s administration to return Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds allocated to immigration shelters and services to $80 million.
Judge Jennifer Leadden, a Manhattan bench native, refused to issue a temporary restraining order for New York City to regain funds.
“We are disappointing that we didn’t grant the emergency relief we were sought while the court continues its lawsuit and appreciate the next step,” a New York City Legal Department spokesperson told Fox News.
New York City filed a lawsuit against Trump, FEMA, the Treasury Department and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on February 21, claiming that $80 million has already been approved and has been paid by FEMA.
A federal judge blocked New York City’s demands on President Donald Trump’s administration, curbing $80 million in the FEMA fund. (Getty/AP)
Former COP New York Mayor Eric Adams has “dominated” the other sanctuary mayors.
“This morning our office learned that the federal government has repelled more than $80 million in FEMA grants applied and awarded under the last administration, but was not paid until last week,” DN.Y. Mayor Eric Adams said in the X-Post on the day the lawsuit was filed.
The lawsuit said the funds were revoked on February 11 after the government’s Department of Efficiency said it had discovered a $59 million FEMA payment to New York City for a luxury hotel used to house illegal immigrants. DHS secretary Kristi Noem said the funds have been rescinded over concerns that the Roosevelt Hotel is a “Tren de Aragua base of operations.”
Homeland Security Secretary Christie Noem will speak to staff at Washington, DC (Manuel Barth Senetta Poole/Getty Images) on January 28, 2025.
“I took back the full payment that FEMA deep state activists unilaterally gave to NYC immigrant hotels. FEMA was funding the Roosevelt Hotel, which serves as the Tren de Aragua base of operations.
NYC sues after Trump administrators return $80 million immigrant housing grant
NYC Director Brad Lander, mayoral candidate who is competing for Adams’ seat, said the Trump administration “stole” the funds.
“Let’s be clear: Donald Trump and his lack of losers — Elon Musk and Christy Noem acted illegally when they stole $80 million from their New York City bank accounts. They seized funds that accused Congress of the lawsuit, and the lawsuit would hurt taxpayers and working families and force them to cut services even if the city hasn’t turned around,” Lander said in a statement following the ruling on Wednesday.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu testifies at the House Committee on Surveillance and Government Reform Trials held in Washington, DC on March 5, 2025 (Anadoll by Getty Images)
The ruling came when Adams and his fellow “sanctuary city” Democratic mayor testified Wednesday about their reaction to the immigration crisis in Capitol Hill.
“I am here today to testify to how New York City can continue to reduce crime, even as a sanctuary city,” Adams told the House Observation and Government Reform Committee.
“To be clear: the sanctuary’s urban classification does not mean that our city will become a safe haven for violent offenders, nor does it grant New York City the authority to violate federal immigration laws. On the contrary, New York City is always compliant with city, state and federal laws.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams will speak at a press conference outside the Gracie Mansion held in New York on Thursday, September 26th, 2024. (RashidUmarAbbasi from Fox News Digital)
Adams has vowed to protect law-abiding New York City residents, regardless of their immigration status, but has directed NYPD officials to comply with DHS and ICE. The mayor’s comments reflect his continued efforts to balance protecting New Yorkers with the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration.
Adams was critical of former President Joe Biden’s handling of the immigrant crisis as New York City struggled to catch up with the bus roads of immigrants entering the city’s overwhelming shelter system.
In a light letter to the immigration crisis, Adams has developed a relationship with Trump. He will hold a private meeting with the president in West Palm Beach, Florida, where he will meet with border emperor Tom Homan to discuss the immigration crisis in New York City.
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Homan bound Adams to his commitment and said, “Fox & Friends,” “If he can’t go through, I’ll go back to New York City and we shouldn’t sit on the couch. I’m in his office.
Adams’ office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Fox News Digital.
Michael Dorgan and Grace Taggart of Fox News contributed to this report.
Deirdre Heavey is a political writer for Fox News Digital.
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