Sanctuary Status Threatens Emergency Management Funding, Draft Report Warns

Article Summary: Will County’s proposed federal agenda warns that critical emergency preparedness funding is being withheld due to a federal review of “sanctuary jurisdiction” compliance, leaving the county with only a fraction of necessary grant money.

Emergency Funding Key Points:

• The Document: These figures were released as part of the Federal Legislative Agenda, a report outlining the county’s federal funding needs for FY2026.

• Funding Gap: Will County reports it is currently receiving only 15% of its eligible Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) costs.

• The Cause: The shortfall is linked to a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) review regarding “sanctuary jurisdiction compliance.”

• County Position: The draft agenda “strongly opposes punitive federal grant restrictions” and argues that funding local readiness is vital regardless of immigration policy.

A conflict over immigration policy is threatening the budget for Will County’s emergency preparedness, according to details released in the draft 2026 Federal Legislative Agenda.

The Federal Legislative Agenda serves as the county’s official “wish list” for federal action. In the public safety section of the draft presented Thursday, the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) is described as a “cornerstone” of federal support for local disaster readiness. However, the document reveals the county is currently receiving only about 15% of its eligible EMPG costs.

The text cites an ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) review related to “sanctuary jurisdiction compliance” as the cause for the funding hold-up. The draft agenda argues that emergency preparedness should not be tied to immigration enforcement.

“Despite this, its vital role in supporting local readiness must be preserved,” the agenda states. The legislative priority outlines a call for the restoration of the full 50% federal cost-share and advocates for safeguarding local eligibility throughout the DHS review process.

The document also connects this issue to broader community safety, stating: “Local immigration legal aid keeps families together, stabilizes our workforce, and builds trust so all residents feel safe seeking healthcare, education, and public services.” The full agenda was sent back to committee on Thursday for further refinement before final approval.