Following a New York Times report detailing unanswered calls to FEMA in the wake of devastating Texas floods, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem dismissed the claims as “fake news.” The report indicated that a new policy requiring Noem’s signature on contracts, which she had not yet authorized, led to call center staffing shortages. Despite these reports and FEMA’s own internal assessment of being unprepared, Noem maintained that the federal response was immediate and that the agency is being “redeployed in a new way.” This denial comes amid the administration’s stated goals of dismantling or fundamentally reforming FEMA.
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The Intercept revealed that ICE deceived eight men, who were convicted criminals, by telling them they were being transferred to another ICE facility in Louisiana, when in reality they were being deported to South Sudan. The men were held in a shipping container on a U.S. military base in Djibouti before being expelled to South Sudan, a country plagued by violence. Members of Congress condemned ICE’s actions, calling them cruel and a violation of international law, particularly given the lack of due process and the dangerous conditions in South Sudan. The Trump administration, however, defended the deportations, while South Sudan’s foreign ministry stated the agreement was part of broader cooperation. This incident highlights the U.S.’s practice of deporting immigrants to third countries with no ties to them and the secret deals being made to expand this practice.
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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced plans for swift prosecution of “anarchist and Antifa-affiliated groups” allegedly involved in doxxing federal immigration officers in Oregon. These groups, including Rose City Antifa, “Rose City Counter-Info,” and “The Crustian Daily,” are accused of publishing personal information of ICE officers. Noem condemned these actions, characterizing them as support for cartels and human traffickers, and also criticized sanctuary cities like Portland. This statement followed recent events, including public testimony urging the revocation of the ICE field office permit and promises of increased enforcement in sanctuary cities by President Trump’s border czar.
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Amidst the devastating Texas floods, which resulted in numerous deaths and missing persons, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem delayed crucial aid by requiring her signature on contracts and grants over $100,000. According to multiple sources, this new requirement delayed the deployment of Urban Search and Rescue crews, aerial imagery, and additional staff for FEMA’s disaster call center. While Texas awaited aid, Noem took to social media to ask followers for their preference on her official portrait as a former governor. Former FEMA Director Deanne Criswell stated that these delays could have cost lives.
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U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem renewed calls to eliminate FEMA, citing its slow response to the recent Texas floods, which have resulted in over 120 deaths. However, this delay appears to be a direct result of a new policy implemented by Noem, requiring her approval for all contracts or grants above $100,000, which multiple FEMA officials said has created bureaucratic obstacles and massive delays, including the deployment of search and rescue teams. Noem’s policy, which has been criticized for potentially causing delays in emergency situations, was implemented under the guise of rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse. Congressional Democrats are now calling for investigations into the Trump administration’s cuts to FEMA, which may have contributed to the devastation, and some are urging to stop the dismantling of federal agencies designed to keep citizens safe.
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Secretary Kristi Noem, speaking at the FEMA Review Council meeting, renewed her call for a complete overhaul of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Despite FEMA’s ongoing involvement in search and recovery efforts following devastating floods in Texas, Noem advocated for its elimination and replacement with a more responsive agency. She specifically stated that FEMA should shift its operational model to be state and locally driven, departing from its decades-long federal-led approach. This proposed restructuring aims to improve efficiency and effectiveness in disaster response.
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A recent post by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has come under fire, as it “brags” about utilizing FEMA funds to construct a migrant detention facility dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz,” especially amid deadly flash floods in Texas. This facility, with an estimated cost of $450 million annually, is set to cost taxpayers $250 per bed per day, surpassing the DHS threshold. The decision to redirect emergency funds has sparked intense criticism, particularly as Texas counties affected by the floods struggle with underfunding and inadequate resources. Social media users have widely condemned Noem’s actions, accusing her of prioritizing political theater over genuine emergency relief efforts.
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During a press conference following the lethal floods in central Texas, officials including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott prioritized thanking each other and President Donald Trump over providing immediate updates on the disaster. This delayed crucial information for nearly half an hour, prompting criticism from San Antonio anchor Stephania Jimenez. The officials focused on praising the emergency response and expressing gratitude, rather than addressing pressing questions and concerns from the public. Jimenez emphasized that this pattern of delayed information and political posturing is a recurring issue during disasters, regardless of the political affiliation of the officials involved.
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Secretary Kristi Noem defended the Trump administration’s response to the Texas flash floods, attributing the delayed warning to outdated technology and highlighting ongoing upgrades. Noem deflected criticism by stating the administration is working to fix neglected systems, shifting blame to previous administrations. While acknowledging concerns regarding cuts to weather research labs, she assured reporters she would convey these issues to President Trump. The report also mentioned recent cuts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Weather Service as well as Trump’s plans to phase out FEMA.
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Following the devastating Texas floods that claimed numerous lives, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the government’s response and the National Weather Service. She cited ongoing technological upgrades as a priority, emphasizing reforms to a system long neglected by the federal government. Despite this, the administration’s fiscal year budget includes cuts to weather research labs and personnel at NOAA and the NWS, raising concerns. Noem vowed to relay community concerns to the government and the President, emphasizing the need for improved warning times.
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John Q. Hosedrinker