Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem applauded TSA operations at Miami International Airport, saying officers prevented more than 10,000 people with suspected narcoterrorism links and 85,000 individuals tied to terrorism or on watch lists from boarding in the past year. She highlighted the airport’s human trafficking unit’s work, including over 2,200 inspections, 24 child-exploitation arrests and the seizure of 85 firearms (82 loaded). Noem outlined a $9 billion airport modernization plan with TSA and DHS funding and addressed questions about an FBI-led investigation into the death of Alex Pretti and expiring TPS for Haitians.
Noem Praises TSA at Miami Airport After Thousands With Alleged Terror Ties Barred
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem holds a news conference at Miami International Airport on Jan. 31, 2026 in Miami, Florida.(Getty Images)
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Saturday praised large-scale Transportation Security Administration (TSA) operations at Miami International Airport, saying they have been central to safeguarding U.S. transportation networks.
Security Operations and Passenger Interdictions
Speaking at a press conference at the airport, Noem said TSA personnel prevented more than 10,000 people with suspected ties to narcoterrorism from traveling over the past year. She added that an additional 85,000 individuals connected to terrorism or listed on the U.S. terrorism watch list were also stopped from boarding flights.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem speaks during a news conference Saturday at Miami International Airport.
"What has happened here at this airport is that over the last year they have prevented over 10,000 individuals from traveling that had ties to narcoterrorism, [and] 85,000 individuals that had similar ties to terrorists and to terrorists on the watch list in the United States," Noem said.
Human Trafficking Unit and Seizures
Noem highlighted Miami International Airport’s human trafficking unit, which conducted more than 2,200 inspections over the past year. Those operations led to 24 arrests related to child exploitation. The unit also confiscated 85 firearms from travelers during the period, of which 82 were reportedly loaded when discovered, according to Noem.
Airport Activity and Modernization Plans
One of the world’s busiest airports, Miami International employs more than 1,700 TSA officers and typically serves about 70,000 passengers per day. Officials set a single-day screening record on Jan. 4 when nearly 100,000 travelers were processed, and Noem said more than 25 million passengers passed through the airport in 2025.
Travelers walk past an official FIFA World Cup countdown clock at Miami International Airport.
To strengthen security as travel demand grows, Noem pointed to a $9 billion airport modernization program. TSA is contributing $100 million to the effort, alongside a previously announced $1 billion DHS investment in upgraded security technology nationwide. Planned upgrades include expanded canine teams, advanced computed tomography (CT) baggage scanners, and enhanced imaging systems.
Other Issues Addressed
Noem was asked about the possible release of body-camera footage related to Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse and licensed concealed-carry holder who was killed this month during an immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota. She said the FBI is leading the investigation and that decisions about releasing footage would be at the agency’s discretion.
On Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians, Noem said TPS was never intended to be permanent and criticized the Biden administration’s use of the program. She encouraged individuals from countries with expiring TPS to explore appeals or other immigration options and to contact the State Department or DHS for assistance.
Note: All figures and quotes are attributed to Secretary Noem’s remarks at the Miami International Airport event. DHS did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
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