These individuals had crossed the border illegally and were subsequently released by the Biden-Harris administration. The funds were not intended for such use, as they contradicted the immigration policies established during the Trump administration. Despite this, the payment was reportedly authorized by Mary Comans, the former chief financial officer of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
According to The Blaze, the funds were directed to the Roosevelt Hotel, a location with a controversial history. It previously accommodated José Antonio Ibarra, the individual responsible for the death of Laken Riley. Ibarra is linked to Tren de Aragua, a violent gang originating from Venezuela, which has gained a foothold in the United States amid the ongoing border crisis under the current administration. Noem emphasized the importance of accountability, stating, "I have clawed back the full payment that FEMA deep state activists unilaterally gave to NYC migrant hotels. FEMA was funding the Roosevelt Hotel that serves as a Tren de Aragua base of operations and was used to house Laken Riley’s killer. Mark my words: there will not be a single penny spent that goes against the interest and safety of the American people."
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The Biden-Harris administration, in collaboration with New York City officials, utilized the Roosevelt Hotel to accommodate migrants who had crossed the border illegally and were processed and released by Border Patrol. This practice has raised numerous public safety concerns, particularly given the hotel's ownership by Pakistan International Airlines, rather than an American entity. The decision to provide shelter to these migrants has faced substantial criticism, as it is perceived as a motivating factor for individuals choosing to enter the United States through illegal means.
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Noem further underscored the necessity for reform within immigration enforcement agencies, asserting, "ICE needs a culture of accountability that it has been starved of for the past four years. President Trump and the American people rightfully demand results, and our ICE leadership must ensure the agency delivers. Accountability is back." This statement reflects a broader call for a return to stringent immigration policies and a focus on safeguarding American interests and security.
