Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has reaffirmed the agency’s stance that current deportation operations are centered exclusively on individuals with criminal records or those posing a threat to public safety.
Speaking at a press briefing in Washington, Noem addressed concerns raised by immigrant advocacy groups and political opponents who have questioned the scope and speed of recent deportations. She emphasized that DHS is operating under a targeted enforcement strategy, prioritizing known offenders and gang members while respecting due process protections.
Noem stated that her department has implemented a multilayered vetting system to ensure deportations are not carried out arbitrarily. According to DHS data presented during the briefing, over 90 percent of individuals removed from the U.S. in recent weeks had been convicted of serious offenses, including drug trafficking, assault, and weapons violations.
The Secretary also defended joint efforts between DHS and federal law enforcement agencies to locate and detain individuals with active warrants or confirmed affiliations with transnational criminal organizations. She cited the recent removal of several suspects tied to the MS-13 and Tren de Aragua gangs as evidence of the agency’s commitment to national security.
In response to accusations of overly aggressive enforcement, Noem said DHS is operating under clear legal mandates and reaffirmed the agency’s mission to safeguard communities from repeat offenders and organized criminal threats. She rejected claims that her department is engaged in mass deportation sweeps or targeting individuals based solely on immigration status.
The announcement comes amid broader national debate over immigration reform and border security, with the Biden-era restrictions having been reversed under the current administration. Noem, who was appointed as DHS Secretary under President Trump’s second term, has taken a prominent role in shaping the administration’s approach to immigration enforcement.
She concluded by stating that while the U.S. remains committed to legal immigration pathways, there will be zero tolerance for those who exploit the system to engage in criminal conduct. DHS will continue to work with state and local partners to identify threats and ensure that law-abiding communities remain protected.