Context:

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has strongly criticized the political motivations behind the accusations regarding the federal response to the Texas floods, calling them a disservice to the country. She emphasized that the response by FEMA was the fastest in the agency's history, with over 700 workers deployed almost immediately. Noem argued that claims about FEMA staff firings and unanswered calls were false and politically driven, highlighting the need to support local management efforts in disaster areas. The floods, which resulted in at least 129 deaths and many missing in Kerr County, were managed with coordination between federal agencies and local officials. Noem also labeled a federal judge's restraining order on ICE operations in California as ridiculous, vowing to appeal the decision, and underscored the importance of targeted operations based on individual criminal activities.

Dive Deeper:

• Kristi Noem addressed criticisms over the federal response to deadly floods in Texas, attributing the backlash to political motives and emphasizing that such actions were a disservice to both the state and the nation.

• The July Fourth floods in central Texas resulted in at least 129 fatalities, with more than 160 individuals still missing in Kerr County, prompting a rapid response from FEMA, which Noem described as the agency's fastest ever.

• Noem refuted claims from Sen. Chris Murphy that FEMA staff were fired and that calls from flood victims went unanswered, labeling these assertions as lies and politically motivated attacks.

• She highlighted the effective coordination between federal entities like FEMA and the Coast Guard with local officials, allowing the state to manage the crisis while receiving necessary support and resources.

• Noem expressed pride in the disaster response operation, which she claimed operated as President Trump intended, contrasting it with previous FEMA efforts under the Biden administration.

• The secretary also criticized a federal judge's decision to issue a temporary restraining order against ICE operations in California, calling the ruling absurd and indicating plans to appeal.

• Noem emphasized the importance of ICE operations being built on solid casework, targeting individuals based on criminal activities or immigration violations, as part of maintaining law and order.