State emergency officials say new federal restrictions on disaster preparedness grants tied to immigration enforcement are undermining their ability to respond to crises.

FEMA froze $320 million in emergency management funds until states submit new population counts that exclude people removed under immigration laws.

New York and Illinois saw homeland security grants slashed by up to 79%, prompting lawsuits and forcing some agencies to pause hiring.

State officials on the front lines of preparing for natural disasters and responding to emergencies say severe cuts to federal security grants, restrictions on money intended for readiness and funding delays tied to litigation are posing a growing risk to their ability to respond to crises.

It’s all causing confusion, frustration and concer

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