On January 18, 2026, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem addressed critical issues regarding national security on the CBS program “Face the Nation.” In a conversation with Margaret Brennan, she confirmed that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is conducting its largest operation ever, involving nearly 3,000 federal agents.
Operation Details and Goals
Noem emphasized the mission’s ongoing nature, stating they will continue until all dangerous criminals are apprehended and deported. She highlighted the importance of community safety, particularly in areas like Minneapolis.
- DHS operation: Largest in history
- Total federal agents involved: Nearly 3,000
- Focus: Apprehend dangerous criminals
Statistics and Criminal Activity
In response to questions about illegal immigration, Noem pointed out that 2.2% of Minnesota’s population is undocumented immigrants, according to Pew research. She stated that 70% of those detained by federal agents have violent crime charges.
Despite conflicting figures reported by media outlets, such as CBS indicating that 47% of detainees possess criminal convictions, Noem maintained that a significant number of individuals apprehended have committed serious crimes.
Public Safety and Law Enforcement Tactics
The Secretary of Homeland Security stressed the importance of public safety, stating that every arrest reinforces the Trump administration’s commitment to upholding the law. She addressed incidents involving police officers and the challenges they face during operations.
- Notable incident: ICE agent involved in the shooting of a woman named Renee Good.
- Concerns about safety: Increasing death threats against officers.
Challenges with Local Leadership
Noem criticized local leaders, including Minnesota’s Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, for perceived failures in maintaining public order. She argued that their inaction allows violence to proliferate, posing risks not only to law enforcement but to the community at large.
Additionally, she called for collaboration with local authorities to ensure that protests remain peaceful and do not impede public safety efforts.
Federal Training and Policy Review
During the interview, Brennan raised concerns regarding the adequacy of training for federal agents. Noem assured viewers that agents are thoroughly prepared for their roles and that existing protocols are in place for reviewing any incidents involving law enforcement.
Despite criticism about the aggressive tactics employed during operations, Noem reiterated that the actions taken by officers aim to ensure community safety and uphold the law.
Conclusion
Through her comments, Secretary Kristi Noem reinforced the administration’s commitment to public safety and strict enforcement of immigration laws. However, the ongoing debate over law enforcement practices, community relations, and public safety continues to pose challenges in the complex landscape of national security.
