San Francisco lawsuit seeks release of counterterrorism funding withheld by feds

Federal counterterrorism funding for the Bay Area faces uncertainty as San Francisco participates in a lawsuit against the U. S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The city received over $400,000 to combat nuclear threats but is still pursuing an additional $1. 2 million from the Securing the Cities program.

DHS announced a pause in future funding due to perceived federal budget constraints, which City Attorney David Chiu argues contradicts congressional authorization from the 2018 Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Act. Chiu criticized the necessity of legal action to secure funds needed for public safety. The Securing the Cities program is designed to enhance urban areas' counterterrorism readiness through specialized training and equipment procurement. It includes 17 California counties and cities like Oakland and San Jose, reflecting a regional commitment to security. Mary Ellen Carroll, Executive Director of the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management, emphasized the critical need for grant funding to prepare first responders for nuclear threats.

With significant events like the Super Bowl in 2026 and the FIFA World Cup in 2028 on the horizon, local officials stress the urgency of securing these funds to ensure public safety.