The startling admission by Mayorkas comes as FEMA grapples with the widespread damage of Hurricane Helene, A Category 4 hurricane that ripped through the southeast costing billions of dollars, causing widespread infrastructure damage, food shortages, and more than 100 deaths. Many are still unaccounted for as well.

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) has introduced legislation that will redirect funds from a FEMA program for migrants to Hurricane Helene victims, and ban other federal funds for the initiative. The bill is another Republican effort in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene to redirect government funds from immigration efforts to Hurricane Helene relief.