Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem made startling claims about the number of criminal migrants who entered the United States during the Biden-Harris administration.
According to Daily Caller, Noem revealed during a Fox News appearance that the Biden administration allowed hundreds of thousands of criminals with existing records and gang affiliations to enter the country illegally.
The total number of illegal migrant encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border during the Biden-Harris administration's four fiscal years reached approximately 8.5 million, based on Customs and Border Protection data. This figure doesn't include potential unrecorded crossings. The revelation comes as the Trump administration pushes for mass deportation following his return to office.
Secretary Noem emphasized the severity of the situation during her appearance on "Hannity," highlighting that many of these individuals have committed crimes both internationally and within U.S. borders. The current administration is utilizing Guantanamo Bay's Camp Five and Six as detention centers, specifically housing members of the Tren de Aragua (TDA) gang.
Noem stated on Fox News:
We have hundreds of thousands of criminals that were let illegally into this country. That means they have criminal records. They've perpetuated crimes in this country. They're members of gangs and cartels that have committed crimes around the world. This is not a small operation.
The security concerns have intensified following several high-profile cases involving illegal immigrants, including the murders of Laken Riley, 22, Jocelyn Nungaray, 12, and Rachel Morin, 37. These tragic incidents have heightened public anxiety about immigration policy and border security.
President Trump's first day back in office saw the signing of an executive order designating cartels and similar organizations as foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs). The administration categorized these international cartels as threats exceeding traditional organized crime risks.
House Republicans have aligned with the president's initiative, working to officially designate major Mexican drug cartels as FTOs. This move aims to strengthen the executive order's implementation and expand law enforcement capabilities in addressing cartel-related activities.
Noem elaborated during her Fox News appearance that the current situation includes thousands of individuals on terrorist watch lists. She emphasized that these individuals represent "the worst of the worst" from other countries who were allowed entry during the previous administration.
Immigration consistently ranked as a primary concern for voters during the 2024 presidential election. The issue has remained at the forefront of national policy discussions, particularly as new details about criminal activities emerge.
Current efforts focus on the systematic deportation of dangerous individuals and those with final removal orders. The administration emphasizes strict enforcement of federal immigration laws, marking a significant shift from previous policies.
House Republicans have joined the executive branch in prioritizing border security measures. Their support for designating cartels as FTOs demonstrates a unified approach to addressing immigration-related security concerns.
Secretary Noem and the Department of Homeland Security are implementing aggressive measures to identify and remove criminal migrants from U.S. territory. The focus remains on individuals with existing criminal records, gang affiliations, and those on terrorist watch lists. The administration's comprehensive approach includes utilizing detention facilities, coordinating with law enforcement agencies, and strengthening border security protocols to prevent future illegal entries.
