The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has restored federal funding for Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley after suspending it over concerns about grant-related recordkeeping, data accuracy and internal controls.

The agency resolved the matter through an administrative agreement reached in May. The agreement runs for 36 months and requires the organization to maintain enhanced compliance and oversight measures, including future reporting on how it uses federal funds.

Failure to comply could lead to additional administrative action, including another suspension or debarment.

Funding and oversight

Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley faced the possibility of a six-year debarment in November 2025. Sister Norma Pimentel, the organization’s executive director, acknowledged that its records contained inaccurate information, saying, “there was a percentage of incorrect data.”

For fiscal year 2024, the organization received approximately $16.2 million in DHS grant awards, its last funded cycle before the program ended. The awards included $7,421,965 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Shelter and Services Program in April 2024 and another $8,788,186 in September 2024.

Pimentel said in February 2025 that Catholic Charities had left much of its fiscal year 2024 funding undrawn.

Joseph Mazzarra said the organization’s record required correction, stating that the pattern had to end regardless of whether the problems resulted from mismanagement or intentional conduct.

Continued assistance

Catholic Charities continues to serve individuals and families in the Rio Grande Valley. The organization’s respite center in McAllen saw migrant arrivals fall to nearly zero after President Donald Trump took office.

All immigrant families previously brought to the center had been transported there by the U.S. Border Patrol.