Homeland Security Chief Kristi Noem Joins Immigration Raid to Catch ‘Dirtbags’ in Major Sanctuary City

Secretary Kristi Noem took a hands-on approach to immigration enforcement by personally joining a raid in New York City, a well-known sanctuary location for illegal immigrants.

Key Facts:

  • Kristi Noem, newly confirmed as head of the Department of Homeland Security, joined an ICE operation on Tuesday in New York City.
  • She shared video of the arrests on social media, referring to suspects with charges like kidnapping and assault as “dirtbags.”
  • The operation targets individuals accused of serious offenses, including homicide, burglary, and assault.
  • New York City typically has sanctuary policies, but Mayor Eric Adams has indicated greater willingness to cooperate with ICE regarding violent criminals.
  • The multi-day operation involves ICE, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Justice Department.

The Rest of The Story:

On Tuesday, Secretary Noem accompanied Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents as they carried out an early-morning crackdown on individuals living in the country illegally who also face serious criminal allegations.

According to DHS, suspects included people charged with offenses such as kidnapping, burglary, and assault, as well as a Dominican national who was wanted for multiple homicides abroad.

In a post on X, Noem praised ICE for capturing these high-risk suspects, calling them “dirtbags” who need to be off the streets.

The multi-agency effort included members of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Justice Department.

Law enforcement agents have been focusing on those with outstanding warrants and other major violations.

DHS reports that similar operations have taken place nationwide, with Chicago being another high-profile example led by border czar Tom Homan.

Officials say the raids help protect communities by removing individuals charged with violent crimes or suspected of posing a public safety threat.

New York City remains a focal point of this debate because of its sanctuary policies, which often limit local cooperation with federal immigration agencies.

While the city usually declines to honor many ICE detainers, Mayor Eric Adams has recently stated a willingness to turn over individuals who commit violent offenses.

This stance differs from the approach seen in Denver and other major cities that have been unwilling to participate in ICE raids.

For Secretary Noem, the operation showcased her pledge to prioritize border security and interior enforcement.

With her recent confirmation by the Senate, she appears ready to make use of the tools available to Homeland Security, including partnerships with other federal departments.

Officials say the raids will continue through Friday, potentially leading to more arrests.

Commentary:

Secretary Noem’s active involvement is a prime example of how a leader should back up her words with action.

She personally joined the raid, supported agents, and made sure that those charged with serious crimes were taken into custody.

This effort stands in stark contrast to past Homeland Security leadership under Mayorkas, who appeared largely indifferent to border enforcement.

We need more leaders who are willing to stand shoulder to shoulder with their team and enforce the law in a direct and decisive manner.

The Bottom Line:

By personally joining an early-morning operation in a sanctuary city, Secretary Noem has underscored the Trump administration’s commitment to stricter immigration enforcement.

The sweep has sparked conversation about the extent to which cities should cooperate with federal agencies in arresting violent offenders.

Supporters say these efforts are crucial for public safety, while critics worry about the human impact on local communities.

For now, DHS remains focused on pursuing those it considers serious threats and pressing city leaders to help.

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