No Halo News · Sourced development
Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley leader reports federal funding ban was lifted
Executive director Sister Norma Pimentel told a Texas Tribune Festival audience that a federal funding ban imposed after a Department of Homeland Security audit had been lifted. She said the nonprofit may again bid for and receive federal grants after its representatives met with federal officials to address allegations of major grant violations. The Texas Tribune later clarified that the reported change restored eligibility to compete for grants; it did not report an immediate grant award.
Status matters. This page records a sourced development, not a completed No Halo investigation. An allegation is not a finding. Dismissals, settlements, judgments, corrections and final outcomes remain distinct.
Donor relevance
Why this matters
Restored eligibility for federal grants materially changes the nonprofit's operating and funding outlook after a reported six-year ban. It should not, however, be treated as an exoneration or proof that the earlier audit findings were withdrawn.
Attribution
Who reported or established this
The report that the ban was lifted came from Sister Norma Pimentel and was reported by The Texas Tribune. The earlier alleged grant violations came from Department of Homeland Security records described by the Tribune.
Evidence limits
What remains unverified
No Halo has not established the date, terms or formal legal basis of the reported reinstatement. The Department of Homeland Security did not confirm the change to the Tribune, and the consulted material does not show whether the agency withdrew, modified or continued to maintain its earlier audit findings.
Right of reply
Organization response
Pimentel said the nonprofit and its lawyers met with federal officials to clear up the accusations and that the organization can again bid for and receive federal grants. The organization previously said it used the disputed funds to assist migrants released and documented by federal authorities.
Classification
How No Halo records this event
Event type: Reinstatement. Current state: Reported. No Halo preserves the current procedural state rather than treating every mention as a finding.
Published September 25, 2026 · Last verified September 28, 2026. See an error or a later outcome? Submit a correction or right of reply.