DHS Secretary Mullin Assesses Helene Recovery in NC

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, on his first official trip in the role, visited Chimney Rock, North Carolina, on Tuesday to assess ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene and outlined plans to reform the Federal Emergency Management Agency while addressing backpay for affected employees. During the visit, Mullin also raised the possibility of withdrawing Customs and Border Protection officers from international airports in sanctuary cities that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

Hurricane Helene struck the southeastern United States in September 2024, bringing historic rainfall of up to 22.5 inches to western North Carolina. The storm caused 107 deaths in the state, destroyed homes and infrastructure, and left communities like Chimney Rock grappling with widespread flooding that carried away roads, bridges, and debris into Lake Lure. Recovery efforts continue 18 months later, with about 2,000 projects awaiting FEMA approval and $1.6 billion in public assistance already obligated. Local officials described the devastation as a "thousand-year storm," highlighting challenges in rural areas strained by upfront costs and bureaucratic...