Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) criticized the Biden Administration and Democratic leadership for allocating more Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding to New York than Arizona for migrant relief efforts. 

Details: Arizona is slated to receive $69.4 million in FEMA funds, while New York is set to receive $134.6 million. U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported that 32,000 migrants entered into Arizona from Mexico in June, while the New York Post (Lean Right bias) reported in August that roughly 10,000 migrants are entering New York each month. NewNation (Center bias) noted the “number of migrants that stay [in Arizona] is much lower” than in New York, but that “border communities can still feel the impact of the high numbers.”

Key Quotes: Sinema said there is a “lack of understanding of what the experience is like in border communities, and a willingness to shortchange the work that is happening in those communities without realizing the impact it has on the entire system.” Politico (Lean Left bias) quoted a White House spokesperson stating, “This administration has been working from day one to build a safe, orderly, and humane immigration system and we’ve led the largest expansion of lawful pathways for immigration in decades. We are committed to our continued partnership with border communities to ensure they can receive the support they need.”

How the Media Covered It: Right-rated outlets are covering Sinema’s criticism more frequently and prominently, emphasizing her former Democratic affiliation to highlight tension within the party.