Secretary Kristi Noem Discusses Border Security and Gang Crackdown

Border Security Assessment

• 🇺🇸 DHS Secretary Kristi Noem surveyed the Tucson sector in Nogales, Arizona, a hotspot for fentanyl seizures.
• ⚠️ Smugglers are observed sending individuals over the wall and into the country illegally.

Targeting Venezuelan Gangs

• 🎯 The administration is invoking the Alien Enemies Act to target the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TDA).
• 🚫 The goal is to remove thousands of TDA members from the U.S. and ensure they face consequences in their home country.
• 🤝 Negotiations are ongoing to facilitate returns and consequences for gang members.

Border Crossing Data and Arrests

• 📊 Exclusive data indicates only 184 individuals crossed the Southern border twice this month, a reported low.
• 📈 However, ICE arrest numbers are surpassing the Biden Administration's totals for all of 2024.
• ⚠️ The Secretary noted that arrest numbers may be manipulated, including encounters with individuals later released into the U.S.

Guantanamo Bay and Facility Use

• 🔒 Individuals arrested and moved to Guantanamo Bay were brought back to the U.S. to create space.
• 🔄 The facility will continue to be used, and people will be moved around to manage space.
• 🤫 Details about specific facilities and operations are kept confidential to maintain an element of surprise against dangerous criminals.

CBP One App and Self-Deportation

• 📱 The CBP One app, previously used to allow asylum claims at the border, has been repurposed as CBP Home.
• 💰 This app educates migrants about criminal and financial penalties for overstaying removal orders, which can amount to $700 per day.
• ✅ The self-deporting feature aims to encourage voluntary departures, with potential financial consequences for non-compliance.