• The Department of Homeland Security has reinstated counter-terrorism funds to major U.S. cities after legal disputes over withheld payments. Security funding will support anti-terrorism measures at large events, benefiting taxpayers and public safety.

CHICAGO, IL – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has restored millions in counter-terrorism funding to major cities, including Chicago, after withholding the funds under President Trump’s administration. The funds, part of the Securing the Cities program, support local security efforts against nuclear and terrorist threats. Cities such as San Francisco, Seattle, and Boston also began receiving reimbursements after filing a joint lawsuit to recover funding allocated by Congress.

Background on the Securing the Cities Program

The Securing the Cities program was established in 2006 as a pilot initiative in the New York metropolitan area to enhance preparedness for nuclear or radiological attacks. Over the years, it expanded to 13 cities, including Chicago in 2016. Congress formally authorized the program in 2018 to provide funding for security equipment, training, and large-scale event protection.

Chicago had been awaiting $1.2 million in reimbursements for expenses tied to nuclear detection equipment and security measures, including high-profile events like Lollapalooza, which draws approximately 400,000 attendees annually.

"We need that equipment to ensure our citizens have every opportunity to be safe in this current environment," said Mary Richardson-Lowry, Chicago’s corporation counsel.

Legal Battle and Funding Restoration

In May, Chicago filed a lawsuit against DHS, arguing the Trump administration had unlawfully withheld funds appropriated for the city. Cities such as San Francisco, Seattle, Denver, and Boston joined the legal action, citing similar funding freezes. DHS recently began releasing the payments after legal pressure.

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"Citizens all over the country will benefit as a consequence of that initial filing because those releases are now beginning to trickle out," Richardson-Lowry said. Seattle and San Francisco have already received allocations, while Boston's reimbursement is in progress.

Implications for Public Safety

The restored funding is critical as communities nationwide strengthen security following U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. DHS issued a warning about a “heightened threat environment” earlier this week, underscoring the urgency of preparedness.

The funding will bolster local governments’ ability to protect against potential threats during large-scale events and beyond. Moving forward, cities are expected to continue advocating for consistent federal support to ensure public safety.

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