WASHINGTON D.C January 31, 2026 – Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that millions of unvetted individuals, including known terrorists, suspected terrorists, and dangerous criminals, entered the United States during the Biden administration and have contributed to violence against Americans.
Speaking from the DHS podium flanked by uniformed officers, Secretary Noem contrasted past policies with current achievements while emphasizing the need for continued interior enforcement.
“Under Joe Biden’s administration, millions of people came into the United States that were completely unvetted,” Noem said. “And we know for a fact that we had people that were terrorists, suspected terrorists, dangerous criminals that came in and have been perpetuating violence on the American people.”
She expressed gratitude for recent progress at the border, declaring it “safe and secure” under the Trump administration, but stressed that efforts must extend inward.
“We’re so grateful that the border is safe and secure, but now we need to make sure that we’re bringing Americans that safety and security as well,” she added.
The remarks, highlighted in a Fox News clip shared widely on social media, come amid intensified DHS and ICE operations targeting criminal non-citizens in U.S. interior cities. Recent DHS reports have detailed the removal of hundreds of thousands of individuals with serious criminal records, including murderers and child predators.
Noem’s comments underscore the administration’s priority on immigration enforcement following sharp reductions in border crossings reported since early 2025. The statements have drawn mixed reactions, with supporters praising the focus on public safety and critics questioning the characterization of past immigration flows.
The Trump administration has faced protests in several cities over interior enforcement actions, though President Trump has publicly backed Secretary Noem and directed federal forces to protect government property aggressively while declining to intervene in local unrest without requests from state or local authorities.
Secretary Noem, former Governor of South Dakota, assumed the DHS role in the second Trump term and has been a prominent voice on border and national security issues.
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