Homeland Security Secretary Pledges Support for Puerto Rico’s Rebuilding Efforts

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem pledged Thursday to assist Puerto Rico in her first visit to the U.S. territory as it battles to recover from devastating hurricanes and ongoing power outages.

Noem spoke briefly with reporters during her one-day trip, expressing her intent to evaluate how the federal government could reduce some permitting and requirements set by the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). She emphasized, u201cWe want to ensure that people are going to get the help that they need and that they were promised.u201d

This commitment comes in the wake of controversy surrounding FEMA’s handling of recovery funding. In a recent statement, Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González criticized the agency for not releasing $18 billion earmarked for rebuilding the territory’s power grid, which was severely damaged by Hurricane Maria in September 2017.

Noem indicated that she and González had discussions focused on energy issues, hoping to identify ways the federal government could streamline efforts to modernize the island’s energy infrastructure. However, she did not provide specifics of their conversation or take any questions from the media.

Under former U.S. President Joe Biden‘s administration, the Department of Energy allocated millions toward solar projects in Puerto Rico, generating over 1,200 megawatts of new renewable energy capacity. Currently, about $6 billion in federal funds has been committed, with 200 out of over 440 projects approved by FEMA aimed at repairing and strengthening the power grid. At least 125 of those projects are already under construction.

During her visit, González shared her concerns about enhancing Puerto Rico’s border security and strengthening relationships with federal security agencies to combat crime on the island. u201cWe want to dismantle all those criminal organizations hitting our shores,u201d she stated, adding that Noem’s visit underscores Puerto Rico’s significance in this effort.

Noem’s trip served to honor Michel O. Maceda, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent killed in November 2022 during a confrontation with suspected drug traffickers at sea, in which three other agents were also injured.

The backdrop for Noem’s visit includes recent federal actions against undocumented immigrants in Puerto Rico, which have faced criticism from local communities. u201cGovernor González is eager to partner with the federal government not only for the betterment of her people but for the United States as a whole. The mission of the Department of Homeland Security is to protect the American homeland with integrity and honor as well,u201d Noem commented.

González had recently traveled to Washington D.C. to advocate for measures central to her New Progressive Party’s objectives, indicating ongoing efforts to secure more federal assistance for the island.