Newly Appointed Homeland Security Secretary Noem Joins NYC Immigration Raids

Kristi Noem | Source: commons.wikimedia.org

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, confirmed and sworn in just days ago, has already made a significant mark by participating in early morning immigration raids in New York City. These operations focused on removing criminal illegal immigrants with violent histories from city streets. Joined by agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), and Homeland Security Investigations, Noem played an active role in a coordinated federal effort to address growing concerns over illegal immigration and public safety.

On Tuesday morning, Noem shared a video on X (formerly Twitter) showcasing the arrest of a criminal illegal immigrant in the Bronx. The individual was charged with kidnapping, assault, and burglary, crimes that ICE Director Tom Homan emphasized are precisely why such operations are vital. Noem’s post read: “Just now. Enforcement operation in NYC. Criminal alien with kidnapping, assault & burglary charges is now in custody – thanks to @ICE. Dirtbags like this will continue to be removed from our streets.”


The raids, described as the first major immigration enforcement action in New York City under the Trump administration, included 20 specialized teams of ICE officers working alongside the FBI, DEA, and U.S. Marshals. According to the Washington Post, the operation resulted in 20 arrests, including a Yemeni national suspected of terrorist activity and a Dominican man wanted by Interpol for homicide. Noem later shared images of federal agents gearing up for the operation, praising their bravery and commitment.

“Arresting some criminal aliens this morning in NYC – thank you to the brave officers involved,” Noem posted, echoing the administration’s promise to prioritize the safety of American citizens. She further added, “We are doing this right – doing exactly what President @realDonaldTrump promised the American people – making our streets safe.”

New York City, a self-designated “sanctuary city,” has faced a surge in illegal immigration over recent years. The problem intensified after Texas Governor Greg Abbott began busing migrants to sanctuary jurisdictions as a countermeasure to what Republicans have criticized as lax border policies under the Biden administration. Currently, an estimated 220,000 illegal immigrants reside in New York City, according to Gothamist.

Since President Trump’s inauguration, federal agents under the guidance of border czar Tom Homan have arrested more than 2,500 criminal illegal immigrants nationwide. These efforts reflect the administration’s sharp focus on restoring law and order while addressing what it considers a national security crisis. Noem’s swift action in her new position sends a clear message: the administration intends to deliver on its promises, no matter how controversial the approach.