DHS Disputes Reports of FEMA Travel Halt During Funding Lapse

Department says disaster-related deployments continue despite limited travel guidance issued during government shutdown.

By yourNEWS Media Newsroom

The Department of Homeland Security on Thursday rejected reports that it suspended the deployment of Federal Emergency Management Agency personnel during the ongoing federal funding lapse, stating that disaster-related travel was not canceled.

In a public statement posted on X, DHS said, “FEMA travel related to active disasters is NOT canceled and was NEVER canceled,” according to the department’s official account DHS.

The clarification followed reporting by The Washington Post and Reuters asserting that DHS leadership had directed FEMA to suspend travel, including deployments tied to disaster response. Both outlets cited internal communications sent Tuesday evening.

DHS said it had issued limited guidance restricting travel and “certain operational activities” because of the lapse in appropriations, which the department attributed to congressional Democrats amid a dispute involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The department emphasized that such restrictions are required under federal law during a shutdown.

“These limitations are not a choice but are necessary to comply with federal law. FEMA continues to coordinate closely with DHS to ensure effective disaster response under these circumstances,” the department said.

According to The Washington Post, an internal DHS email ordered a halt to all travel, including disaster-related travel, as FEMA teams respond to 14 active disaster declarations linked to recent severe winter storms.

Reuters reported that Kurt Weirich, a FEMA chief of staff, wrote in an internal message: “DHS has issued a stop-travel order for all DHS funded travel, effecting 2/18/26, for the duration of the lapse in appropriation. Currently this DOES include disaster travel.”

Another internal message cited by The Washington Post indicated that “ALL travel stopped,” and that approximately 360 personnel scheduled for training and other assignments were told to stand down. By Wednesday morning, both outlets reported that DHS and FEMA officials were working to clarify guidance to allow disaster-specific personnel to continue traveling.

DHS said FEMA remains focused on mission-essential functions. “During a funding lapse, FEMA prioritizes life safety and property protection. FEMA continues mission-essential operations for active disasters, including immediate response and critical survivor assistance. While some non-essential activities will be paused or scaled back, FEMA remains committed to supporting communities and responding to incidents like Hurricane Helene,” the department stated.

The department also said it had communicated its position to The Washington Post prior to publication. “We told the @washingtonpost this but they still decided to run with this false narrative,” DHS added.

The shutdown follows a dispute in Congress tied to proposed restrictions on federal immigration agents after the fatal shooting last month of protesters Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis.