In Video: Sec. Kristi Noem says she won’t resign after backlash over Texas flood response: Full interview

Homeland Security Secretary Christy Gnome Defends Response to Texas Floods

Homeland Security Secretary Christy Gnome appeared on Meet the Press to address criticism surrounding the response to the recent floods in Texas. Secretary Gnome was peppered with questions about the agency’s handling of the disaster, including reports that a new policy requiring personal approval for FEMA contracts over $100,000 led to a slower deployment of resources.

Delayed Response to Search and Rescue Teams?

Pressed about the deployment of search and rescue teams, Secretary Gnome insisted that the teams were deployed immediately in response to local authorities’ requests. She claimed that reports of delays were false and that local officials have praised the federal government’s quick response.

Contract Approval Policy

Secretary Gnome defended a new policy requiring personal approval for FEMA contracts over $100,000, saying it was implemented to increase accountability and ensuring that contracts were reviewed at the highest level. She claimed that the policy did not slow down the response effort, but rather ensured a more efficient use of resources.

Call Center Issues

The Secretary was also questioned about reports that thousands of calls from flood victims to FEMA call centers went unanswered due to lack of staffing. She denied the claims, saying that the call centers were fully staffed and responsive throughout the disaster response.

Senator Elizabeth Warren’s Call for Resignation

Secretary Gnome responded to Senator Elizabeth Warren’s call for her resignation, saying she had no intention of resigning. She also brushed off criticism from Senator Warren and others, saying it was unfair to politicize a natural disaster.

Deportation and Immigration Policy

The Secretary was asked about her administration’s deportation policies, including recent reports of racial profiling by ICE agents. She insisted that ICE officers follow established procedures and build cases based on investigative work and criminal records, rather than relying on physical appearance.

Detention Centers

Secretary Gnome was questioned about the conditions at a migrant detention center in Florida, dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz,” which has been criticized for being overcrowded and inhumane. She defended the facilities, saying they meet federal standards and are held to a higher standard than many local and state facilities.

Immigration Reform

The Secretary invited lawmakers to visit the detention center and see the facilities firsthand, saying that politics must end and that the focus should be on protecting Americans while also providing a safe and orderly process for those seeking asylum. She also encouraged self-deportation, saying it was the easiest and most straightforward way for families to enter the country legally.