Kristi Noem, the former Secretary of Homeland Security under President Donald Trump, reignited the immigration debate on Thursday during a House subcommittee hearing. She asserted that agents from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol are "doing God's work."
In a sharp rebuke aimed at those who criticize deportations and immigration control measures, Noem accused them of "defending lawbreakers" and endangering federal agents.
During her remarks, Noem emphasized that these officers are "honorable men and women" who are safeguarding "their families and neighbors." She criticized lawmakers and activists who oppose ICE, stating, "If you don't like the law, change it. That's your job. You should be fired."
The official ICE account on X highlighted her statement, which was accompanied by data claiming an 8,000% increase in death threats and over a 1,000% rise in assaults against agents, figures the agency uses to justify the administration's intensified rhetoric.
Noem's comments come at a politically challenging time for her. According to The Washington Post, she is facing mounting scrutiny over her role in Trump's immigration policy and significant expenditures on aircraft acquisitions during her tenure.
The Department of Homeland Security purchased two Gulfstream jets for $200 million for high-ranking officials' use and signed a $140 million contract for six Boeing 737s intended for deportations. This spending stands in contrast to Noem's insistence on austerity and legal rigor in addressing illegal immigration.
Despite reports from U.S. media suggesting her position might be at risk, both the White House and Trump have denied any internal tensions. Nonetheless, Noem's testimony underscored that the administration will continue to employ a moralistic and confrontational rhetoric to advance its immigration agenda, even amid criticism over transparency, excessive spending, and an increasingly polarized political climate.
Rather than calming the waters, her message appears designed to reignite the political battle over immigration—a conflict that not only defines the U.S. border but also the future of thousands of Latino families, particularly Cuban ones, caught between laws, rhetoric, and decisions that often overlook their real lives.
Key Questions on Immigration Policy and ICE
Why did Kristi Noem defend ICE agents?
Kristi Noem defended ICE agents by stating they are "doing God's work" and accused critics of defending lawbreakers and putting agents in danger.
What controversies surround Kristi Noem's tenure?
Kristi Noem faces scrutiny for her role in Trump's immigration policy and for significant spending on aircraft, including Gulfstream jets and Boeing 737s for deportations.
How has the administration responded to criticisms of its immigration policy?
The administration continues to use a moralistic and confrontational rhetoric to push its immigration agenda, despite criticisms of transparency, spending, and political polarization.