Noem Accuses Biden of Using DHS to 'Invite Terrorists,' Vows Deportations

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem delivered a forceful critique of President Joe Biden’s immigration record during a White House Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, telling President Trump he had given her a "very interesting job." Noem used the gathering to criticize the previous administration's approach to border security and to outline steps her department plans to take.

Key remarks

Noem accused the Biden administration of effectively weaponizing the Department of Homeland Security by loosening border controls. She said the prior administration "opened up the borders" and allowed people to enter the country through airports and other ports of entry, a claim she summarized bluntly:

"If you think about what Joe Biden did with the Department of Homeland Security, he used this department to invade the country with terrorists. He opened up the borders, let anybody come in that wanted to... So it's our job to get 'em out."

She noted that other Cabinet members have assisted DHS efforts over the past year. Noem highlighted Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s role in negotiating travel documents and coordinating with other governments on deportations, and praised Attorney General Pam Bondi for defending the administration in court amid legal challenges to immigration enforcement operations.

Noem also announced what she described as a milestone hiring: the 10,000th Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer added since the previous administration. She framed additional removals as a priority for the coming months, saying DHS will "send more home for the holidays" and focusing enforcement on those she described as dangerous.

On other topics, Noem joked that FEMA had helped "keep the hurricanes away," noting that Tropical Storm Chantal was the only named Atlantic system to make landfall in the United States this season while Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica. She also credited Trump-era actions with disrupting fentanyl flows and referenced operations against narcotics trafficking in the Caribbean, praising efforts to interdict smuggling vessels.

Criticism of Minnesota programs

Noem said DHS is reviewing programs in Minnesota that have supported immigrant resettlement and sharply criticized Governor Tim Walz, saying the programs had enabled fraud and improper benefits. She alleged false declarations and fraudulent visa applications, and said the department will seek recoveries where it finds improper payments.

Governor Walz pushed back, saying the programs were designed to help people and that, in some cases, criminals exploit loopholes. Noem said DHS will pursue enforcement actions and recover taxpayer funds where appropriate.

Representatives for President Biden were contacted for comment.