Kristi Noem on Border Security, Sanctuary Policies, and Criminal Alien Removals

Border Security Achievements

• 🇺🇸 Kristi Noem, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, announced zero illegal border crossings for three consecutive months, a first in U.S. history.
• 🚨 The administration has arrested hundreds of thousands of illegal criminals, including murderers, rapists, and traffickers, since President Trump took office.
• 💊 20 kg of fentanyl was seized in Illinois, enough to kill 10 million people, highlighting the threat of drug trafficking.
• 👨‍💼 Over 80,000 applications were received for 10,000 new ICE officer positions, indicating strong interest in border enforcement roles.

Criticism of Illinois Sanctuary Policies

• 🚫 Noem criticized Illinois leaders, including Governor Pritzker and Mayor Johnson, for obstructing law enforcement and prioritizing dangerous criminals over citizens.
• 🚓 In Chicago, ICE issued 1,664 detainers against criminals in the last 7 months, a 106% increase, but only 8% were honored by local authorities.
• ⚠️ This lack of cooperation means that individuals released from custody, many with pending charges or convictions, are returned to the streets without notification to victims.
• 💥 Assaults against ICE officers have increased by 1,000%, which Noem attributes in part to sanctuary policies and rhetoric from elected officials.

Enforcement and Deportation Efforts

• ⚖️ Over 70% of individuals arrested by ICE have pending charges or criminal convictions; others have final removal orders.
• ✈️ A voluntary deportation program, promoted through a $20 million campaign, encourages individuals to return home to have a chance to re-enter the U.S. legally.
• 🌍 Diplomatic efforts with Central and South American countries are facilitating voluntary returns, with hundreds of thousands of citizens returning home.
• 🛠️ ICE operations are described as targeted, focusing on individuals who are in the country illegally or have final removal orders.

Support for Law Enforcement and Victims

• 🙏 Noem urged support for law enforcement officers, asking the public to have their backs and not distort facts about their work.
• 🎯 She called for an end to prioritizing criminals, emphasizing that they harm American citizens and must be held accountable.
• 🏡 The focus should be on the well-being of American citizens and their communities, ensuring they can live safely.
• 🗣️ Noem defended ICE's communication practices, stating they follow the same processes as other law enforcement agencies and highlighting the importance of informing the public about perpetrators of crimes, while also urging media to focus on victims.