Immigration crackdown keeps wildfire victims from seeking help

His quote: "We have heard from constituents who are eligible for aid — U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals and qualified aliens — but are concerned that applying for FEMA assistance might expose their family members or neighbors to immigration enforcement," Huffman wrote in the letter obtained by The Chronicle.

What they're saying:

• FEMA spokesman David Passey said Wednesday that the agency does not ask for immigration status on its aid eligibility forms, adding that he's" not aware of a single case" where there was a requirement to share information with ICE. But "if a significant law enforcement interest exists, FEMA may share information" with DHS, said Passey.
• Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) said in a statement to the Chronicle that Trump's "heartless immigration policies caused this problem, and now we're seeing immigrant families declining federal help they're eligible for because they're scared. FEMA should make crystal clear that it will work with ICE to ensure immigrant families won't be targeted for deportation."

Go deeper:

• The same fear struck throughout Texas and Florida after Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, leaving several immigrant victims destitute and fearful.
• California's wildfires, by the numbers.