WASHINGTON D.C, January 18, 2026 — U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem appeared on CBS News’ Face the Nation on Sunday, strongly defending the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement and mass deportation operations.
In a video clip shared on her official X account (@Sec_Noem), which has garnered thousands of views and engagements, Noem emphasized that the administration’s priority is protecting American communities by targeting dangerous individuals.
“President Trump and I will always PROTECT Americans,” Noem posted. “This administration is committed to arresting and deporting the worst of the worst from America’s communities. 70% of those arrested by ICE are convicted criminals or have criminal charges. This includes murderers, pedophiles, gangbangers, terrorists, war criminals, drug traffickers, rapists, and other thugs.”
During the interview, Noem pushed back against reports suggesting that many detained immigrants lack criminal records beyond immigration violations. She stated that while illegal entry or overstaying a visa constitutes a civil infraction, 70% of ICE arrests involve additional criminal convictions or pending charges.
The claim has sparked significant online debate. Critics, including immigration experts and some media outlets, have questioned the figure, citing DHS data and independent reports indicating that a majority of individuals in ICE detention have no criminal convictions beyond their immigration status. Fact-checks published on Sunday described Noem’s characterization as misleading or false in context.
DHS press releases from recent weeks have repeatedly highlighted operations targeting “the worst of the worst” criminal aliens, aligning with Noem’s statements. However, advocacy groups and reports from organizations like the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC) report that over 70% of current ICE detainees have no criminal convictions.
The interview comes amid heightened ICE activity nationwide, including controversial raids that have drawn protests and legal challenges in several states.
Noem’s post continues to generate polarized reactions on social media, reflecting broader divisions over the administration’s immigration policies.
Watch the clip here.
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