Kristi Noem on Border Security and DHS Scanning Challenges

Border Security Successes

• 📈 Migrant encounters have decreased by 95%, and gotaways are down 99% under the current administration.
• ⚖️ This success is attributed to two key strategies: deterrence through consistent deportation order enforcement and enforcement of laws.
• 🌍 Leaders in El Salvador, Mexico, and Colombia have acknowledged the impact of U.S. ads and enforcement messages, leading to significant numbers of individuals turning back before reaching the border.
• 🌟 Border Patrol morale is reportedly at an all-time high, with significant recruitment increases across DHS agencies including ICE, CBP, Coast Guard, and Secret Service.

Challenges in Scanning Shipments

• ⚠️ Despite overall border improvements, there are significant concerns about the inadequate scanning of shipping containers entering the U.S.
• 📦 Air freight and railroad cars are also not being adequately inspected, and existing scanners often malfunction due to environmental conditions.
• ✉️ A major concern is the lack of inspection for millions of small packages shipped daily.
• 🇨🇳 The need for advanced scanning technology is highlighted as crucial for national security, particularly in preventing the influx of harmful substances from adversarial nations like China.

FEMA and National Disaster Response

• 🚨 Senator Capito expresses concern about the potential handover of FEMA responsibilities to states, citing the vital role of a national response to natural disasters.
• 🌦️ While acknowledging FEMA's past imperfections, she emphasizes the need for a robust federal capacity to handle large-scale emergencies, urging a cautious approach to any proposed changes.