FEMA Suspends Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, Proposes Federal Debarment
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Newly released federal documents show that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have suspended Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley (CCRGV) from receiving federal contracts and are seeking a long-term federal debarment. The suspension and proposed debarment were communicated in formal notices dated November 19 and November 20, 2025.
The action means CCRGV is temporarily barred from participating in federal procurement and non-procurement programs across the executive branch. FEMA states that the suspension will remain in effect pending completion of a DHS investigation into the organization’s data collection practices used to support reimbursement claims under Emergency Food and Shelter funding and Shelter and Services Program funds.
The proposed debarment could last up to six years, according to the FEMA notice.
Federal Government Cites Concerns With Data Accuracy and Grant Compliance
According to the DHS General Counsel’s letter issued November 20, the Department began reviewing CCRGV earlier in 2025 to ensure federal grant funds were not being misused. The letter states that CCRGV submitted “incomplete and inaccurate data” in response to a DHS inquiry. FEMA officials referenced CCRGV’s own acknowledgment that it was “aware of the data accuracy issue” and “unable to provide the correct data.”
A DHS review of payment requests also found that CCRGV provided services to “hundreds of illegal aliens beyond their period of eligibility” under the federal program being administered. The DHS General Counsel wrote that regardless of whether the issues stemmed from mismanagement or intent, “this pattern must end.”
FEMA: Suspension Is Not a Punitive Measure
The FEMA suspension letter emphasizes that the action is not meant as punishment but serves to ensure the federal government only contracts with responsible entities. The agency states that suspension and debarment are discretionary tools to protect taxpayer funds and federal program integrity.
During the suspension, CCRGV cannot receive new federal awards, loans, or benefits, and cannot participate as a contractor, subcontractor, agent, or representative in federal transactions.
FEMA also notes that CCRGV’s name will be added to the federal System for Award Management (SAM), which publishes suspended and debarred entities.
Six-Year Debarment Proposed
The FEMA letter states that if CCRGV does not contest the action within 30 calendar days, the agency intends to impose a six-year debarment, which exceeds the standard three-year period due to the seriousness of the concerns outlined. FEMA noted that it considered both mitigating and aggravating factors under 2 C.F.R. §180.860.
If imposed, the debarment would apply government-wide.
CCRGV Allowed to Contest Findings
CCRGV may dispute the suspension and proposed debarment. The organization must submit a detailed written response with evidence addressing the concerns listed in the Action Referral Memorandum and must demonstrate that it is “presently responsible.” FEMA states that failure to submit a complete response within the deadline will result in debarment without further proceedings.
The notice also allows CCRGV to request a meeting with FEMA’s Suspension and Debarment Director after submitting its written response.
DHS Letter Directly Addresses CCRGV Leadership
The separate letter addressed to Sister Norma Pimentel, President and CEO of CCRGV, contains some of the sharpest language. The DHS General Counsel criticizes what the department describes as violations of law, inaccuracies in data reporting, and a pattern of grant management failures.
The letter also cites concerns that federal funds may have been used in ways that encouraged or supported unlawful migration, although CCRGV has not been charged with a crime. The action taken by DHS is administrative, not criminal.
Suspension Now in Effect
The DHS General Counsel confirms that CCRGV is already suspended and that CCRGV’s attorney will receive additional documentation from DHS’s suspension and debarment office.
FEMA states that the suspension will remain until DHS completes its investigation or until debarment is imposed.
The Maverick Times will continue reviewing federal documents and will publish updates as CCRGV responds to the allegations or submits evidence to contest the federal action.
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