A recent appearance on Fox News by Charles Marino, a former Department of Homeland Security official under President Barack Obama, has sparked significant discussion. Marino criticized the Biden administration for allocating billions of dollars to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that he claims are aiding illegal immigration. He expressed these concerns on “The Ingraham Angle,” where he accused these organizations of being part of “the largest human trafficking” operation in the U.S.
Marino highlighted the alarming statistic of 350,000 missing unaccompanied minors, suggesting that NGOs played a role in their disappearance. He called for urgent action from Congress to investigate these organizations. According to Marino, it’s unacceptable for American taxpayers to fund NGOs that facilitate the entry of illegal migrants, including potential criminals and terrorists.
The former DHS official further speculated on the possible connections between NGOs and Mexican cartels. He suggested that these organizations might have been operating at the behest of the Biden administration, specifically through the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Health and Human Services. Marino did not shy away from the bold claim that they “may have been working directly for the Mexican cartels.”
Charles Marino exposes how NGOs are fueling illegal immigration with YOUR tax dollars! 🚨 “They may well have been working directly for the Mexican cartels.” WATCH: pic.twitter.com/LWF2aGyXJw
— Laura Ingraham (@IngrahamAngle) January 30, 2025
In a related development, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed a pertinent question posed by Reagan Reese from the Daily Caller. Reese inquired about President Donald Trump’s plans to terminate funding for NGOs like Catholic Charities, which purportedly aid illegal immigrants. Leavitt confirmed that the President intended to take such action, referring to an executive order aimed at this issue.
The role of charities and religious organizations in the immigration debate has also come under scrutiny. NewsNation reported in June 2023 that illegal migrants were entering urban centers like New York with help from these groups. The Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, for instance, received over $93.1 million in government grants in 2021, constituting about 80% of its funding.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem made a decisive announcement, stating that the department would stop grant funding to NGOs misusing resources to support illegal migration. This move is seen as a significant step in addressing concerns about the misuse of taxpayer money and the role of NGOs in border security.
In October 2024, new information surfaced about the Biden-Harris administration. Sources disclosed to the Daily Caller that a coalition of NGOs was collaborating with government agencies to resettle migrants. Data from the USA Spending database indicated a marked increase in federal spending on immigration-related loans, grants, and contracts since 2020.
The revelations have fueled debates on the transparency and accountability of NGOs involved in immigration. Critics argue that the lack of oversight has led to unintended consequences, including the potential for organizations to inadvertently support illegal activities. The call for a thorough investigation into these claims has grown louder, with many urging Congress to take action.
This controversy comes at a time when immigration remains a hot-button issue in American politics. The role of NGOs and their funding has become a focal point in discussions about border security and national safety. The debate is likely to intensify as more information comes to light and policymakers grapple with the complexities of immigration policy.
The Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, continues to report on these developments. They emphasize the importance of transparency and accountability in government spending and the need for responsible journalism in covering such critical issues.
As the situation evolves, it is clear that the role of NGOs in immigration will remain a contentious topic. The involvement of these organizations in facilitating migration raises important questions about the ethical and legal implications of their actions. It also underscores the need for a balanced approach to immigration policy that considers both humanitarian and security concerns.
The debate over NGO funding and immigration policy reflects broader discussions about the direction of the country. It highlights the challenges of balancing national security with the need to support vulnerable populations seeking a better life. As policymakers and citizens alike navigate these complex issues, the importance of informed and respectful discourse cannot be overstated.