Just one day after signing a public letter warning that recent political interference could gut FEMA’s ability to respond to disasters, multiple FEMA employees were placed on leave.

Their access to federal systems was revoked. Their communication with colleagues was cut off. All for doing what public servants are supposed to do: telling the truth.

The letter, titled the “Katrina Declaration,” warned that the Trump administration’s overhaul of FEMA—led by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem—threatens to unravel critical reforms put in place after the devastating failures of Hurricane Katrina. The signers called for FEMA to remain independent, well-staffed, and free from political influence.

These are not rogue employees. They are experienced emergency management professionals who care deeply about doing their jobs right—especially when lives are at stake.

Now, for speaking out, they’ve been sidelined.

We are calling on:

The Department of Homeland Security
FEMA leadership
Congressional oversight committees

to immediately reinstate all FEMA employees placed on leave for signing the Katrina Declaration and to ensure robust protections for all federal employees who raise concerns about public safety.

This is bigger than one agency. If FEMA staff can’t speak up about threats to disaster response, what happens when the next hurricane hits? The next wildfire? The next mass flooding?

Punishing whistleblowers won’t protect Americans. It will put more lives at risk.