In her initial month as Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem has redirected the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to its foundational objective: securing the United States. According to Secretary Noem, "President Trump and this Administration are saving lives every day because of the actions we are taking to secure the border and deport illegal alien criminals."
During her tenure so far, Secretary Noem has focused on various areas including border security, cyber infrastructure protection, terrorism deterrence, and law enforcement. She has emphasized empowering personnel within Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Border Patrol, and the Coast Guard to perform their duties effectively.
A notable increase in ICE arrests was observed with criminal alien apprehensions doubling and fugitive arrests tripling. The department also reported a significant decrease in daily border encounters since President Trump assumed office.
Secretary Noem actively participated in an ICE operation in New York City that led to the arrest of a Tren de Aragua gang leader. Additionally, DHS has reinstated Temporary Protected Status as a temporary measure by ending extensions for Venezuelan and Haitian immigrants initiated by the previous administration.
The Laken Riley Act is being enforced under Secretary Noem's guidance, mandating federal detention for illegal aliens accused of serious crimes. Funding freezes have been implemented on organizations promoting illegal immigration.
Efforts have been bolstered through cooperation with multiple agencies such as the Texas National Guard and Drug Enforcement Administration among others. As part of these initiatives, Guantanamo Bay is being utilized for detaining illegal aliens awaiting deportation; 176 individuals have already been returned to Venezuela.
The department also ensured security at large public events like the Super Bowl in New Orleans and launched campaigns urging voluntary departure for illegal aliens. Emphasizing efficiency within government operations, Secretary Noem supports initiatives aimed at reducing waste while prioritizing homeland security responsibilities.
In summary, both President Trump and Secretary Noem remain committed to enhancing safety measures across America.