Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
EXCLUSIVE REPORT: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is currently reassessing its federal security grants for Muslim organizations due to allegations of ties to terrorist activities. This decision comes after a recent report that connected previous funding to extremist groups.
A document acquired by Fox News Digital indicates that the DHS has already canceled 49 projects associated with supposed affiliations to terrorist activity. This action is projected to save the department approximately $8 million.
This review predominantly targets funding administered through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which is managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. This program provides critical financial support to churches, mosques, synagogues, and other faith-based institutions that are facing threats from hate-related violence.
The investigation is a direct response to findings released by the Middle East Forum, a conservative think tank that supports Israel. Their report asserts that over $25 million in grants from DHS and FEMA were allocated to groups linked to terrorism from 2013 to 2023.
A DHS representative stated the department is conducting a thorough independent evaluation of its funding practices. They emphasized, however, that the agency is taking the MEF report’s findings very seriously, expressing gratitude for the input from conservative watchdog organizations.
Among other notable claims in the report is the identification of a $100,000 grant awarded in 2019 to the Dar al-Hijrah mosque in Virginia. Customs and Border Protection had previously characterized this mosque as a potential front for Hamas operatives within the United States, according to records obtained through the Freedom of Information Act.
Following the findings by the Middle East Forum, the DHS is actively scrutinizing all current and upcoming contracts to ensure that funds do not inadvertently support organizations with controversial backgrounds. Officials have indicated that they are also looking into methods for recovering unspent grant funds.
For the fiscal year 2024, DHS has already allocated funding. This includes $94 million designated for 500 Jewish organizations and an additional $110 million distributed among 600 faith-based institutions, which encompass Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, and Jewish communities.
As for fiscal year 2025, DHS has announced that applicants will be subjected to more stringent requirements aimed at fortifying the vetting process.
One DHS official remarked that their goal is to avoid nurturing groups that might pose a danger to local communities within the United States.
The Middle East Forum’s report also brought to light specific instances of funding received by groups the report claims have extremist affiliations. It details that $10.3 million was provided to the Islamic Circle of North America, which the forum alleges is associated with the South Asian Islamist organization Jamaat-e-Islami.
Further claims referenced in the report include a $250,000 grant awarded to the Council on American-Islamic Relations. The DHS has previously accused CAIR of possessing ties to Hamas. Additionally, the report states that $750,000 was designated for mosques in Michigan and Texas, which are characterized by the DHS as platforms promoting Iran’s revolutionary strain of Shi’a Islamism. This includes the Islamic Center of America, the Islamic House of Wisdom near Detroit, and the Islamic Ahlul Bayt Association in Austin.
In another development, CAIR informed Fox News Digital that it currently has no active federal contracts with the DHS.
A spokesperson for CAIR stated that while their organization does not have any existing federal grants that could be affected, it’s significant to clarify that the government cannot prohibit American organizations from receiving federal funding based solely on religious orientation or their stance on political matters, including critique of Israeli actions in Gaza.
CAIR asserted that decisions made by the DHS reflect poorly on President Trump, claiming they are heavily influenced by the views of the Middle East Forum, which they describe as an Israel-centric organization.
Historically, FEMA has partnered with CAIR by hosting seminars aimed at increasing engagement with the Nonprofit Security Grant Program.
However, last week CAIR publicly urged organizations to refrain from applying for DHS and FEMA grants, including the NSGP. This warning came after two new vetting rules were introduced by the DHS. The provisions require potential recipients to cooperate with immigration authorities and prohibit involvement in programs related to diversity, equity, inclusion, or assistance for undocumented immigrants, as well as from engaging in certain boycotts deemed discriminatory.
Implications of DHS’s Actions
The recent review and the cancellation of specific grants have raised concerns among advocacy groups. Critics argue that these decisions could lead to further marginalization of organizations that support the Muslim community and minorities facing discrimination in the United States.
While the DHS maintains that it aims to ensure national security, advocates worry that stringent vetting processes may stifle critical community initiatives and programs designed to enhance safety and promote mutual understanding among diverse groups.
This situation continues to evolve, and as DHS conducts its reviews and implements new policies, many will be watching closely to see how these changes impact organizations across the nation.
