Rep. Tony Gonzales Questions DHS Sec. Kristi Noem on Secret Service's Role in School Safety

The Role of VORTAC

• 🎯 VORTAC is highlighted as a critical unit for apprehending convicted criminal illegal aliens and is based out of Fort Bliss, El Paso.
• 💡 The speaker emphasizes that VORTAC's current facility is outdated and advocates for budgetary support to provide them with a proper headquarters.
• ⚡ Secretary Noem acknowledges VORTAC's incredible work, their partnerships with other law enforcement agencies, and the need to expand their specialty training and resources.

School Safety and the Secret Service

• 🏫 The discussion shifts to school safety, with a focus on the often-overlooked role of the Secret Service.
• 🔑 Secretary Noem states that the Secret Service is currently underutilized and underresourced, and that additional funding is needed for their training and tools.
• 🧠 She suggests leveraging the Secret Service's investigative expertise to provide advice, wisdom, and training to those securing schools.
• 🤝 The Department of Education partners with DHS to train school security officers and support local law enforcement in responding to school safety incidents.

Proactive Safety Measures

• ⚠️ Rep. Gonzales stresses the importance of being proactive in school safety, rather than reactive, and looks forward to working with the Secretary on this.
• 📈 He notes a significant increase in Secret Service recruitment, over 200%, under President Trump.
• 🗣️ Gonzales mentions that while some communities favor arming teachers (Guardian Program), others do not, and federal support should complement local decisions.
• ✅ The Secret Service can contribute to local school safety initiatives by providing federal support and expertise.