Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem joined Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in New York City on Tuesday, participating in an immigration enforcement operation that resulted in several arrests, including a suspect wanted for a double homicide. Noem, recently confirmed by the Senate, highlighted the operation on social media, emphasizing the removal of dangerous individuals from the streets. The operation, which involved cooperation with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Justice Department, targeted individuals with serious criminal charges, including murder, kidnapping, assault, and burglary.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem participates in an immigration operation in New York City. (Department of Homeland Security)
Secretary Noem joins an ICE raid in New York City. (Department of Homeland Security)
Immigration enforcement operation in New York City. (Department of Homeland Security)
One notable arrest involved a Dominican national subject to an Interpol Red Notice for a double homicide in the Dominican Republic. This individual had subsequently fled to the United States. The operation, which is expected to continue through Friday, follows a series of recent immigration raids across the country aimed at apprehending individuals deemed public safety threats. These raids are part of a broader effort by the new administration to address illegal immigration and strengthen border security, key priorities outlined by Secretary Noem during her confirmation hearing. In the first week of the new administration, over 7,300 illegal immigrants have been removed and returned to their countries of origin, including Mexico, Jordan, Brazil, and El Salvador.
ICE reported making 1,179 arrests in a single day and issuing 853 detainers, requests to law enforcement agencies to hold individuals for transfer to ICE custody. The enforcement operation in New York City highlights the ongoing tension between federal immigration authorities and sanctuary cities, which generally limit cooperation with ICE detainer requests. While New York City has historically been a sanctuary city, Mayor Eric Adams has indicated a willingness to work with ICE on deporting violent criminals. He recently met with border czar Tom Homan to discuss potential cooperation between the city and the administration.
