In the past several days Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has made headlines following her disclosure of an internal investigation into the Federal Emergency Management Agency during the Biden administration. According to Noem at a press conference in Bradenton Florida, evidence has emerged that FEMA employees during that period systematically avoided visiting the homes of disaster survivors who displayed pro Trump signs after hurricanes like Helene and Milton. Noem stated that employees collected information about the political beliefs of disaster survivors and used that information to delay or deny critical assistance. She pledged that she would refer the matter to the Department of Justice for possible prosecution and vowed greater oversight of disaster aid moving forward. This investigation builds on previous claims from Republican officials in Florida and follows testimony from whistleblowers dating back to 2021.At the same time Homeland Security is facing intense criticism over its credibility and transparency. In the last few weeks incidents from Chicago to Florida involving immigration enforcement and disaster aid have placed the agency under scrutiny. There was national backlash when Customs and Border Protection arrested a local television producer in Chicago and issued public statements that were contradicted by video evidence. The Department’s statements claimed the producer attacked agents with objects but video showed otherwise and the individual was released without charges. DHS has not publicly corrected its version of events. In another instance in Florida a U S citizen was shot during a border enforcement stop after DHS issued initial statements about the presence of weapons. Later findings from local officials and the victim’s attorney contradicted DHS claims raising fresh questions about internal communication and accountability under Secretary Noem.On immigration enforcement DHS led by Noem has defended stepped up ICE raids in major cities and smaller communities alike since the mass protests known as the No Kings demonstrations last week. These operations have been marked by large scale deployments of federal agents including the use of drones and helicopters in Idaho and increased coordination with local law enforcement in Florida. Immigrant rights groups and civil liberties advocates have condemned these tactics calling them overly aggressive and citing reports of collateral harm to U S citizens and families.In a move prompted by recent national security concerns Senator Tom Cotton has publicly called on Noem to launch a review of high risk visa applications from the Biden administration era especially following the arrest of an individual linked to Hamas. Cotton has pressed for expanded background checks and highlighted the need for tighter border and visa controls under Noem’s direction.During her visit in Florida this week Noem praised stronger cooperation between state law enforcement and federal agents citing high numbers of detentions and removals while embracing new programs for voluntary returns and state run detention centers.Thank you for tuning in and remember to subscribe. This has been a quiet please production for more check out quiet please dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

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