Chicago Is Joined by Major Cities in Challenging the Department of Homeland Security for Freezing Critical Counterterrorism Funds
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CHICAGO ~ Chicago, along with the cities of Boston, Denver, San Francisco, and Seattle, has taken a stand against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in an effort to protect public safety. Today, these cities filed an amended complaint seeking to enjoin DHS from continuing its freeze of funding under the Securing the Cities (STC) counterterrorism program.

The STC program, which was mandated by Congress, provides critical resources to high-risk urban areas to prevent nuclear and other terrorist threats. However, DHS's funding freeze has been deemed reckless and a violation of the law by city officials.

"Securing the Cities was created to protect Chicagoans and other high-risk urban cities from catastrophic threats," stated Mayor Brandon Johnson. "DHS's reckless freeze undermines our preparedness and puts lives at risk. We will not stand idly by while the federal government disregards its legal obligations and jeopardizes public safety."

For years, DHS has entered into cooperative agreements with 13 local governments, including Chicago, in urban regions that are at an elevated risk of terrorist attacks. These agreements outline how STC funds can be spent and require pre-approval from DHS for any additional costs.

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The plaintiffs have used STC funds for various events such as President Joe Biden's visit in November 2023, a rally held by presidential candidate Donald Trump in October 2024, and at the 2024 Democratic and Republican National Conventions. After incurring these costs, they seek reimbursement from DHS and are typically reimbursed within 72 hours. However, since February 2025, DHS has ignored their reimbursement requests and even instructed them to pause all purchases of radiological and nuclear detection equipment.

Chicago alone is awaiting over $1 million in reimbursement for pre-approved expenditures. According to federal grant regulations, agencies are required to process reimbursements within 30 days after receiving a payment request unless there is reason to believe it is improper.

"The actions taken by the federal government are unconstitutional," stated Corporation Counsel Mary B. Richardson-Lowry. "The United States Constitution assigns the responsibility to enact laws and appropriate funds to Congress, while requiring the President to execute those laws."

The plaintiffs are seeking compliance with federal law and an injunction to stop the unlawful funding freeze. It is their hope that this legal action will ensure the safety of their cities and prevent any further disregard for legal obligations by DHS.

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