New DHS Sec Kristi Noem Joins Federal Agents For NYC Immigration Raids

Newly minted Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem hit the ground running after being confirmed over the weekend, joining federal agents conducting immigration raids in New York City early Tuesday morning.

Noem posted a video on X showing federal agents arresting a criminal illegal immigrant in the Bronx charged with kidnapping, assault, and burglary. Noem joined agents with the Drug Enforcement Agency and Homeland Security investigators for the early morning raids, which were the first major immigration raids in the city, the New York Post reported.

“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,” Noem posted alongside a video showing the illegal immigrant being led away in handcuffs.

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. pic.twitter.com/fRpJBdmqSl

— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) January 28, 2025

The new Homeland Security secretary later shared photos of a large group of agents from multiple departments preparing for the raids. Tuesday’s operation included 20 teams of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers who worked with the FBI, DEA, and U.S. Marshals, The Washington Post reported. Twenty people were arrested on Tuesday morning, according to ICE, including a Yemeni man who was on the FBI’s radar as a suspected terrorist and a Dominican man wanted by Interpol for homicide.

“Arresting some criminal aliens this morning in NYC – thank you to the brave officers involved,” Noem wrote.

Arresting some criminal aliens this morning in NYC – thank you to the brave officers involved. @DHSgov @ICEgov @SecretService @DEAHQ @USMarshalsHQ @NYPDSpecialops pic.twitter.com/uaRxFCvh5h

— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) January 28, 2025

“We are doing this right – doing exactly what President @realDonaldTrump promised the American people – making our streets safe. Live this AM from NYC. I’m on it,” she added in another post.

Noem was confirmed by the Senate and sworn in last weekend, filling a key cabinet position for President Donald Trump as his administration ramps up arrests of criminal illegal immigrants. New York City, a “sanctuary city,” has been a major hub for illegal immigrants over the past four years. Many illegal immigrants arrived in the city after Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott began busing migrants to “sanctuary” jurisdictions all over the country in response to the Biden administration’s lax border policies. An estimated 220,000 illegal immigrants are currently residing in NYC, according to Gothamist.

ICE agents, under the direction of Trump’s border czar Tom Homan, have conducted raids in various cities, making more than 2,500 arrests since Trump was sworn in last week.