Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the Trump administration’s stringent immigration policies on Monday, citing a significant reduction in illegal border crossings.
“If you talk to all of these agents that have been down here for years, they say it’s a night and day difference from where we were a year ago,” Noem stated to reporters, attributing the change to the administration’s aggressive enforcement.
Her comments came alongside a briefing led by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and Border Czar Tom Homan, where they unveiled a new executive order aimed at strengthening immigration enforcement. The order, slated to be signed by the President later Monday, directs Attorney General and Secretary Noem to compile a list of “sanctuary cities” alleged to be obstructing federal immigration laws.
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“Simple, obey the law, respect the law, and don’t obstruct Federal immigration officials and law enforcement officials when they are simply trying to remove public safety threats from our nation’s communities,” Homan asserted. “The American public doesn’t want illegal alien criminals in their communities. They made that quite clear on November 5th, and this Administration is determined to enforce our nation’s immigration laws.”
The executive order seeks to address concerns over local jurisdictions that the administration believes are impeding federal immigration authorities.
During the briefing, Leavitt clarified the President’s recent remarks regarding farm workers, stating that he was referring to the H-1B and H-1A visa programs, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to a “clean and legal immigration system.” She argued that the influx of illegal immigration over the past four years has undermined legal channels.
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Homan addressed concerns about criminal activity by undocumented individuals, particularly crimes against children. “I don’t know why it’s sick. So the worst crime in the world is when you sexually abuse a child. I mean the most innocent of us all,” he stated, highlighting the administration’s focus on removing individuals deemed public safety and national security threats. He also contrasted current removal numbers with those of the previous administration, emphasizing an increased focus on apprehending criminal aliens.
An incident involving the theft of Secretary Noem’s purse was also addressed. Homan indicated that the alleged perpetrator was reportedly in the country legally, though he did not provide the individual’s full criminal history. He also firmly dismissed any reported disagreements between himself and Secretary Noem.
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Regarding the morale of ICE and Border Patrol agents, Homan asserted it was at an “all-time high” due to their ability to enforce the law. “These men and women join the ranks of ICE and Border Patrol to enforce law, make the community safer, and protect National Security,” he said.
Homan concluded the briefing by outlining the legal obligations of undocumented individuals, citing specific sections of the U.S. Code. He warned of criminal prosecution and deportation for those who fail to comply with registration and address change requirements or who resist removal orders. “If you’re in the country illegally, work with ICE. Go to the CBP One app and leave on your own. Because if we have to find you, we’ll prosecute you,” Homan stated.
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