Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem announced Wednesday that the Trump administration is taking decisive action to enforce its immigration agenda, including the revocation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelan nationals and aggressive deportation operations targeting criminal illegal aliens.
In a Fox & Friends exclusive, Noem revealed that DHS is officially withdrawing the Venezuelan TPS directive, reversing an extension granted under the Biden administration.
READ: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem Addresses Staff, Vows Commitment To Safety And Preparedness
“Mayorkas signed an order that said for 18 months, they were going to extend this protection to people that are in temporary protected status, which meant they were going to be able to stay here and violate our laws for another 18 months. We stopped that today,” Noem declared.
Under this new directive, all Venezuelans previously shielded under TPS will be re-evaluated for deportation, with priority given to those with criminal records. The ringleader of the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua was among those arrested this week, reinforcing the administration’s zero-tolerance policy on criminal migrants.
Noem dismissed criticism from Democratic leaders who have spoken out against the administration’s ICE raids.
“These Democrat leaders are saying they want to protect the cartels, the gangs, and allow crime to fester in their cities. They are completely out of touch with the people in their own communities,” Noem said.
READ: Trump DHS Wants Every Law Enforcement Agency To Get Some Skin In The Deportation Game
The DHS secretary pointed to New York City residents thanking federal officers during a recent raid, demonstrating public support for the administration’s crackdown.
Noem also confirmed that DHS is working with Secretary of State Marco Rubio to ensure that foreign governments comply with deportation orders.
“We have a fantastic Secretary of State in Marco Rubio, and he has been working around the clock on diplomatic negotiations,” Noem stated. “The president will exercise all his authority to ensure these countries take their criminals back.”
When asked about options for countries refusing to accept deportees, Noem said the administration is considering all available assets, including Guantanamo Bay (Gitmo) as a possible holding facility for detained individuals.
READ: Democrat Calls For Felony Charges Against Officials Who Are ‘Plotting Against’ ICE Raids
In addition to border enforcement, Noem emphasized the need for immigration system reforms, including:
- More immigration judges and courts to handle backlogged cases.
- Faster visa processing for skilled workers in industries like construction and agriculture.
- More resources for legal immigration pathways.
Noem concluded by reaffirming President Trump’s commitment to strong immigration policies.
“The president is taking action. We are enforcing our laws, securing the border, deporting dangerous criminals, and making America safe again,” Noem said.
With ICE raids ramping up and new policies reversing Biden-era protections, the Trump administration is making immigration enforcement a cornerstone of its second term.
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