House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY) opened a committee hearing in Washington, D.C., with testimony from senior officials of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
In his opening statement, Garbarino emphasized the importance of transparency, communication, and accountability in government oversight. "Transparency, communication, and accountability are the keys to good government. This is why oversight is important. Informing Congress and the public is not casting accusations, nor is it a punishment," he said.
Garbarino noted that the hearing was an opportunity to assess immigration enforcement integrity and reinforce public trust at a critical time for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). He highlighted concerns about a potential shutdown of DHS, stating: "Let me be clear, shutting down DHS makes Americans less safe and negatively impacts thousands of federal employees, like those at TSA and CISA."
He reminded attendees that DHS is the nation's largest federal law enforcement agency and stressed the committee's duty to conduct oversight regardless of administration. Garbarino pointed out that last year’s reconciliation process provided significant resources for public safety initiatives supporting border security efforts under the Trump administration.
Reflecting on past policies, he criticized previous approaches to immigration enforcement: "For years, we witnessed a blanket refusal to enforce the law, wide-open borders, catch-and-release policies, and uncontrolled mass migration." He credited recent actions with reducing border encounters nationwide by 91 percent compared to 2023 and decreasing apprehensions between ports of entry by 86 percent compared to 2024.
Garbarino also addressed increases in violent rhetoric against federal law enforcement officers as well as attacks on them. He mentioned recent incidents resulting in the deaths of two American citizens in Minnesota as unacceptable events that highlight risks faced by both law enforcement personnel and communities.
He cautioned against rushing to judgment during ongoing investigations: "When officials or elected leaders rush to conclusions about law enforcement or their fellow Americans––public trust suffers." Garbarino called for impartial investigations into these matters.
The chairman praised cooperation among federal officials sent to Minnesota following recent incidents there: "I am encouraged to see that President Trump sent Border Czar Tom Homan and Commissioner Scott to Minnesota to work with Governor Walz, Mayor Frey, and other local leaders."
Garbarino closed his remarks by underscoring that enforcing immigration laws does not conflict with protecting constitutional rights such as peaceful protest or privacy. He thanked Secretary Noem for making witnesses available quickly: "As Border Czar Homan recently said, 'you can’t fix problems if you don’t have discussions.'"
He expressed hope for constructive dialogue during the hearing aimed at strengthening communities’ safety across America.
