According to Religion News Service, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has concluded its financial review of the Humanitarian Respite Center, a migrant relief organization operated by Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley. Sister Norma Pimentel, who leads the organization, confirmed that federal authorities have lifted the freeze on the charity’s funding and closed their investigation into its financial operations.
The federal review began earlier this year following concerns regarding the distribution of government grants intended for migrant support services. The respite center, located in McAllen, Texas, provides essential assistance including food, clothing, and temporary shelter to migrants arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border. Throughout the period of the freeze, the organization continued its daily operations by relying on private donations and auxiliary support from the local diocese.
During the Texas Tribune Festival in Austin, Pimentel stated that the organization was fully cleared of any wrongdoing. She noted that the charity has maintained transparency throughout the federal inquiry and remains committed to its mission of providing humanitarian aid to vulnerable populations.
Department of Homeland Security officials have not released a detailed summary of the findings that led to the conclusion of the review. The agency typically conducts periodic audits of non-governmental organizations that receive federal funding to ensure compliance with grant requirements.
The Catholic charity has served as a primary point of contact for government agencies seeking to process migrants in South Texas. In recent years, the center has expanded its capacity to accommodate fluctuating numbers of arrivals. Pimentel said, "We are pleased that the process is behind us and we can focus on our work."
The end of this investigation allows the organization to resume drawing from federal grants previously allocated for operational expenses. Representatives from Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley indicated that they are currently coordinating with government liaisons to facilitate the release of the frozen funds. The organization plans to submit its updated financial reports for the upcoming fiscal quarter by mid-October.
Source: https://religionnews.com/2026/09/25/dhs-lifts-financial-freeze-on-sister-norma-pimentels-catholic-migrant-charity/