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

FEMA Response to Texas Floods - The Department of Homeland Security Secretary Christy Gnome addressed claims of delayed FEMA response to Texas floods, asserting they are false [3][4][5] - Secretary Gnome stated that FEMA, Coast Guard, and Border Patrol resources were deployed rapidly [4][10][11] - The Secretary highlighted that local officials confirmed they received necessary support immediately, praising the federal government's response [6][7][10] - A policy requiring the Secretary's approval for FEMA contracts over $100,000 is in place for accountability, but did not delay the response [2][8][9] Call Center Operations - Claims of unanswered calls to FEMA call centers due to contract issues were refuted as "false reporting" [12][13][14] - The Secretary contested a report indicating only 15% of calls were answered on July 7th, stating contracts were in place and staff were answering calls [14][15] FEMA's Future and Role - The President aims to "remake" FEMA, focusing on empowering states with federal support [23][24] - The federal government deployed various agencies beyond FEMA, including the Coast Guard and Border Patrol, for rescue and recovery efforts [21][22] Immigration Enforcement - The Secretary addressed a judge's order blocking ICE raids in Southern California, stating ICE builds cases based on investigative work, not racial profiling [24][25][27] - ICE operations target "the worst of the worst," including murderers, rapists, and child pedophiles [27][28] - The Secretary defended conditions at the Alligator Alcatraz detention center, claiming they meet high federal standards, and encouraged self-deportation [31][32][35]