Noem Initiates Strong Steps to Boost Arrests and Deportations of Illegal Immigrants
Kristi Noem, serving as the Secretary of Homeland Security, has laid out plans to bolster security at the southern border by focusing on illegal immigrants with criminal records. Earlier this week, she enacted a measure enabling up to 600 officials from the State Department to serve as immigration officers. This move is part of a broader effort to tighten border security and accelerate the deportation process.
Noem's order empowers up to 600 agents from the State Department's Diplomatic Security Service to assist in detaining and deporting illegal immigrants. "The Department of Homeland Security, under President Trump's leadership, will utilize every resource at its disposal to secure our border and expel criminal illegal aliens from our country. The safety of American citizens is our top priority," Noem stated.
This action serves as the latest initiative from the department to enlarge the number of officials participating in immigration law enforcement, falling in line with the Trump administration's goal to escalate the arrest and deportation of illegal immigrants significantly. To this end, the DHS has also deputized IRS employees, Justice Department law enforcement units, and officials from the Texas Attorney General’s Office.
Noem revealed last week that the Treasury Department has trained law enforcement personnel at its disposal to aid in immigration enforcement. This comes particularly in light of a recent boost in the Internal Revenue Service’s workforce and budget.
According to Homeland Security data, interior arrests have surged compared to the same period in 2024, while illegal immigrant border crossings have been on a decline. From Jan. 20 to Feb. 8, there were 11,791 interior ICE arrests, up 137% from 4,969 during the same period in 2024.
The current administration is concentrating on the "worst of the worst," primarily criminal illegal immigrants and gang members. However, they clarify that they won't exclude anyone else.
Additional cooperation has also been secured from Mexico and Canada at the border. Venezuela and Colombia have also agreed to repatriate their nationals.
The DHS has decided to terminate parole programs from the Biden era and the use of Temporary Protected Status, which allowed migrants to evade deportation. Furthermore, the administration is leveraging Pentagon resources by deploying military to the border and using Guantanamo Bay to accommodate illegal immigrants.