Del. Plaskett Issues Statement on President Trump’s Plan to Divert Funding From FEMA to Pay for ICE Detention Beds

WASHINGTON, Aug. 28 -- Del. Stacey Plaskett, D-Virgin Islands, issued the following statement on news that President Trump is diverting $271 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to pay for a massive increase in Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention beds:

"News that the Administration will be diverting disaster relief funds during hurricane season is troubling.

"I have concerns about DHS's proposed end-run around laws passed by Congress that would drain millions from agencies tasked with protecting the homeland from security threats and natural disasters like hurricanes.

"Taking money away from FEMA in the middle of hurricane season could have deadly consequences - especially since the Virgin Islands is presently bracing for the effects of Tropical Storm Dorian.

"The President must be president of all Americans including the Virgin Islands. Congress should work to undo the damage this Administration is continually doing to our homeland security infrastructure and to FEMA."