In the first six months of President Trump's new term, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), under the leadership of Secretary Kristi Noem, has taken several actions to enhance border security and immigration enforcement. The administration claims significant progress in these areas.
President Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border on his first day back in office, reinstating policies like "Remain in Mexico" and ending catch-and-release practices. According to DHS, daily border encounters have dropped by 93% since these measures were implemented. The administration is also completing the construction of the border wall with funding from what they refer to as the "Big Beautiful Bill," which includes substantial investments in technology and personnel for Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The Trump administration has focused on removing criminal illegal aliens, arresting over 300,000 individuals this year alone. They claim that 70% of those arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are criminals with charges or convictions. A new facility called Alligator Alcatraz has been opened in Florida as part of this effort.
To support victims of crimes committed by illegal immigrants, President Trump and Secretary Noem have reopened the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) office. Additionally, they have introduced a new app designed to encourage self-deportation among undocumented immigrants.
On legal immigration reforms, President Trump ended certain humanitarian parole programs and made changes to Temporary Protected Status designations. Harvard University's ability to enroll foreign students was also revoked due to allegations related to violence and antisemitism.
In aviation security, Secretary Noem terminated several programs deemed ineffective or politically motivated while fully implementing REAL ID enforcement measures nationwide.
FEMA's disaster relief efforts are being restructured under Secretary Noem's guidance, with an emphasis on empowering state governments rather than relying solely on federal intervention.
The Coast Guard has seen changes too, with an increase in drug seizures compared to previous years and recruitment goals being exceeded under a new initiative known as "Force Design 2028."
The administration reports cost savings from eliminating ineffective programs across various departments within DHS.
