Category: NCTC Speeches, Testimonies and Interviews

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

Following the terror attack in Boulder, CO and the murder of two Israeli Embassy staffers, DHS is working to counter the concern rise in antisemitic violence and terrorism

WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security announced it is awarding $94,416,838 to over 512 Jewish faith-based organizations across the United States through its National Security Supplemental (NSGP-NSS).

This money, part of the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, will be used to help these organizations harden their defenses against attacks. This allocation comes after a terrorist attacked demonstrators with a flamethrower and Molotov cocktails at an event in support of hostages in Gaza, and after two Israeli Embassy staffers were murdered in Washington, DC, by a terrorist who shouted, “Free Palestine.” In 2024, the ADL said it recorded a record high of 9,354 antisemitic incidents in the U.S., marking a 344% increase over the past five years.  

“DHS is working to put a stop to the deeply disturbing rise in antisemitic attacks across the United States,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “That this money is necessary at all is tragic. Antisemitic violence has no place in this country. However, under President Trump and Secretary Noem’s leadership, we are going to do everything in our power to make sure that Jewish people in the United States can live free of the threat of violence and terrorism.”

The program, operated through FEMA, will help protect Jewish faith-based institutions from further attacks, and was advocated for by over 40 plus Jewish organizations. The funding was appropriated by Congress in response to a surge in antisemitic threats linked to the Israel Hamas war. All faith-based institutions were eligible to apply for grant funding to help defend themselves from threats including houses of worship, educational facilities, medical facilities, community centers and other faith-based institutions. More grant disbursements will follow from the NSGP.

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Source: US Department of Homeland Security

“If you threaten or attempt to harm a law enforcement officer, we will find you and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.” – Secretary Noem 

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement on the arrest of Eric Anthony Rodriguez for attempting to attack Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers with a Molotov cocktail.

On June 21, 2025, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) reported Rodriguez threw a Molotov cocktail at a hotel near Los Angeles International Airport where 15 ICE and 12 CBP law enforcement officers were staying.

Rodriguez has a lengthy criminal history including convictions for assault with a deadly weapon, second degree robbery, falsifying checks, theft and vandalism. He also had an outstanding felony warrant for violating parole.

On June 23, 2025, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Los Angeles presented the investigation to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

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“Anthony Rodriguez is a serial criminal who will face justice for threatening the lives of federal law enforcement. On June 21, this coward threw a Molotov cocktail at a hotel in Los Angeles where 27 DHS law enforcement officers were staying. Thankfully, the attack was unsuccessful, and no one was injured,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Dangerous rhetoric by sanctuary politicians has fanned the flames of violence against federal law enforcement—and it has led to a 500% increase in assaults against ICE. Secretary Noem has been perfectly clear: Anyone who threatens the lives of federal officers will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law—and that is exactly what will happen to Rodriguez.”

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Source: US Department of Homeland Security

The “Invent2Prevent” program funneled millions of dollars to a highly politicized organization and targeted school children with radical ideology

WASHINGTON – Today, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that she terminated the DHS “Invent2Prevent” program – a wasteful and highly politicized initiative that cost the American taxpayer over $1.5 million dollars.

Despite its high cost, the program accomplished very little towards its apparent mission: preventing terrorism. Instead, it funneled taxpayer money into a highly politicized organization called “The Eradicate Hate Global Summit,” which promoted DEI and LGBTQ ideology at K-12 schools.

“President Trump was given a mandate by the American people to eliminate wasteful government spending, and that is exactly what we are doing,” said Tricia McLaughlin, DHS Assistant Secretary. “This program was not only wasteful, it was also using public money to support an openly partisan and political organization. Politicized NGOs like Eradicate Hate have been siphoning away taxpayer dollars for far too long. We are ending the grift.”

Under the guise of counter terrorism, this program used tax money on initiatives to foster “inclusive environments in schools,” promote DEI, and expose grade school children to sexualized topics like LGBTQ issues.

By canceling Invent2Prevent, Secretary Noem is saving the taxpayer $1,523,146.24.

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Source: US Department of Homeland Security

This detainee received prenatal care, including an ultrasound and OB-GYN visit, dental care, and medication 

WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) set the record straight about Iris Dayana Monterroso-Lemus, a Guatemalan criminal illegal alien – who claimed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) provided no medical treatment or prenatal care for her pregnancy while detained and blamed ICE for her pregnancy loss.  

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Source: US Department of Homeland Security

SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA – Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem traveled to Costa Rica to reinforce the importance of international cooperation in preventing violent criminal illegal aliens from entering the United States. During her visit, she met with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Joint Security Program Team, toured the Los Lagos Detention Center, and held discussions with Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves.  

On Tuesday, Secretary Noem met with members of CBP’s Joint Security Program Team, which operates in Costa Rica and makes significant contributions to bolstering border security efforts. The team, composed of CBP personnel and Costa Rican counterparts, works to enhance security measures at key border points and combat illicit activities such as smuggling and trafficking. At the meeting, Secretary Noem received a briefing on the team’s operations, including their use of advanced technology, intelligence-sharing protocols, and joint initiatives.  

On Wednesday, Secretary Noem also toured the Los Lagos Detention Center and was briefed on Costa Rican authorities’ detainment of known or suspected terrorists. The tour provided insights into Costa Rica’s efforts to address illegal migration. Accompanied by Costa Rican officials, Noem observed the facility’s operations, including its infrastructure, security protocols, and detainee management practices.  

On Wednesday, Secretary Noem also met with President Rodrigo Chaves Robles in San José to reaffirm the strong partnership between the United States and Costa Rica. The discussion focused on deepening bilateral ties through enhanced collaboration on security issues, including countering transnational crime, drug trafficking, and illegal migration. Both leaders emphasized their commitment to joint initiatives promoting regional stability and prosperity. They explored opportunities to align policies and share resources to address shared challenges, such as strengthening border security while supporting lawful trade and travel.

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

Colorado Rapid Response Network helped Jose Reyes Leon-Deras, a convicted child rapist and criminal illegal alien, evade ICE law enforcement

WASHINGTON – After an anti-ICE activist group helped Jose Reyes Leon-Deras, a convicted child rapist, evade U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) law enforcement, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is warning the public to be on the lookout for this criminal illegal alien.  

On June 20, 2025, ICE attempted to arrest Leon-Deras and members of the Colorado Rapid Response Network alerted Leon-Deras of ICE’s presence and facilitated his escape. The Colorado Rapid Response Network is known for protesting with bullhorns to warn illegal aliens and shouting profanities at ICE law enforcement officers attempting to arrest dangerous criminal illegal aliens.  

 Leon-Deras remains at large and is a public safety threat.  

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Criminal illegal alien: Jose Reyes Leon-Deras  

“The Colorado Rapid Response Network and its 760 members disrupt ICE operations targeting dangerous criminal illegal aliens. In this case, they helped Jose Reyes Leon-Deras, an international fugitive and convicted child rapist, flee law enforcement— this dangerous monster is on the loose on American streets and could harm more innocent children,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “To report sightings of Leon-Deras, call 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) — help President Trump, Secretary Noem, and our brave law enforcement remove this public safety threat from our communities and make America safe again.”

If you know or suspect Leon-Deras’ whereabouts, do not approach. If seen, anonymous tips may be reported on this form and via the toll-free ICE tip line, (866) 347-2423.

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Source: US Department of Homeland Security

Removing illegal aliens from Panama saves U.S. taxpayer dollars and helps stop the flow of illegal aliens to the U.S.

PANAMA – Today, Secretary Noem observed a repatriation flight of illegal aliens from Panama and Colombia. Deportees included aliens convicted of drug trafficking, sex crimes and aggravated robbery. 

This deportation program creates drastic savings for U.S. taxpayers— costing about half as much in U.S. taxpayer dollars to remove an illegal alien from Panama compared to the removal process from the U.S. 

Secretary Noem extended a memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Panama, originally signed on July 1, 2024. This extension allows continued U.S. funding—including an additional $7 million commitment—for the Panamanian government’s deportation flights and supports Panama’s efforts to curb illegal immigration across the continent, including southbound migration from the United States. Under this understanding, 2,044 migrants without legal grounds to remain in Panama were deported to 23 countries between August 2024 and June 2025. 

This partnership underscores the importance of our partner countries to help keep violent criminal illegal aliens from entering the U.S. 

The agreement, along with President Trump’s strong leadership, has contributed to the closure of the Darién region to illegal migratory flows into Panama en route to the United States. Under President Trump, migration through Panama’s Darien Gap, a dangerous pathway illegal aliens use to get to the U.S. southern border, is down 99%.

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Secretary Noem observed a repatriation flight of illegal aliens from Panama and Colombia 

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These flights send a clear message to the world: If you come to either the U.S. or Panama illegally, you will be caught, arrested, and removed 

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This partnership underscores the importance of our partner countries to help remove violent criminal illegal aliens from the U.S. and save U.S. taxpayer dollars 

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Secretary Noem met with Panamanian President Mulino and other government officials where they discussed ways the U.S. and Panama can continue our partnership to halt illegal immigration 

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Source: US Department of Homeland Security

Apprehensions and gotaways are almost 50% lower since operations in LA started 

WASHINGTON – Since the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) began removing worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens from sanctuary city Los Angeles, apprehensions and gotaways at the U.S. Southern border plummeted nearly 50% from May to June. Sanctuary cities are no longer a safe haven, and we have made the message clear: We will hunt down criminal illegal aliens and remove them from our communities.

On June 6, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) started an operation removing the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens. Despite the rhetoric from politicians, riots, and wide-scale assaults on enforcement officers, DHS is continuing to make Los Angeles and the Southern border more secure.  

The data speaks for itself: From June 1 -22 of this year, apprehensions totaled 5,414 while just one month ago in May, U.S. Border Patrol apprehensions were 9,577. Since the beginning of June, gotaways totaled only 986, compared to 2,123 in May. This is nearly a 50% decrease since operations started. 

The difference in these stats from the Biden Administration to the Trump Administration is staggering. From February 1 to June 22 of this year, apprehensions totaled only 37,518, while just one year ago nearly 600,000 apprehensions were made during the same time. Gotaways showed a similar decrease with 11,867 between February and June in 2025, compared to over 94,007 during the same time in 2024.

“Secretary Noem is delivering on President Trump’s promise to secure the border by removing murders, pedophiles, and drug traffickers from Los Angeles,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “In less than a month since we started LA enforcement operations, apprehensions and gotaways at the Southern border halved. The world is hearing our message: If you come here illegally, we will find you, arrest you, and deport you. We will not be deterred by the rioters and politicians in our mission to secure America and its border. Migrants are turning back because they know the reality is they will ultimately leave in handcuffs.” 

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

President Donald J. Trump and Secretary Noem appointed new members to the Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC) and announced the date of the council’s first meeting.

Formed on March 19, 2002, the HSAC leverages the experience, expertise, and national and global connections of its membership to provide the Secretary of Homeland Security with real-time, real-world and independent advice on homeland security operations.

This new-look, America First HSAC will draw upon a deep well of public and private sector experience from homeland security experts committed to fulfilling President Trump’s agenda.

The Homeland Security Advisory Council will hold its first meeting at DHS headquarters in Washington, D.C. on July 2nd, 2025.

Appointed Members:

• Henry McMaster, Governor, South Carolina, Chair
• Joseph Gruters, State Senator, Florida, Vice Chair
• Marc Andreessen, Co-Founder and General Partner, Andreessen Horowitz
• David Chesnoff, Attorney, Chesnoff and Schonfeld.
• Christopher “Chris” Cox, Founder, Bikers for Trump
• Mark Dannels, Cochise County Sheriff, Arizona
• Richard “Bo” Dietl, CEO and Founder, Beau Dietl & Associates
• Matthew Flynn, Attorney, Steptoe. Former Deputy Assistant to the President. Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense.
• Rudolph W. Giuliani, Former Mayor, New York City
• Harvey C. Jewett IV, Retired President of Super 8 Motels Inc., Retired President and Chief Operating Officer, Rivett Group LLC., President Great Plains Education Foundation, Inc.
• Steve Kirby, Founding Partner, Bluestem Capital Company
• Mark Levin, Broadcast News Analyst, The Mark Levin Show
• Corey Lewandowski, Chief Advisor to the Secretary, Department of Homeland Security
• Nicholas Luna, Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Implementation, The White House
• George Lund, CEO and Chairman, Torch Hill Investment Partners
• Edward McMullen Jr, Senior Policy Advisor, Adams and Reese LLP. Former Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein,
• Georgette Mosbacher, Co-Chair, Three Seas Programming, Atlantic Council’s Europe Center, Former Ambassador to Poland
• James “Jim” Pallotta, Managing Partner and Founder, The Raptor Group.
• Omar Qudrat, CEO, Maden, Founder, Muslim Coalition for America, Major, U.S. Army Reserve
• Stephen Sloan, Global Head of Private Market Secondaries, Portfolio Advisors and Co-Founder, Cogent Partners
• Robert “Bob” Smith, Former U.S. Senator, New Hampshire
• Alexei Woltornist, Co-Founder and President, ATHOS. Former Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, Department of Homeland Security

To learn more about the Homeland Security Advisory Council, including its previous taskings, reports, and recommendations, visit DHS.gov/Homeland-Security-Advisory-Council.

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

Criminal illegal aliens arrested include an individual with admitted ties to Hezbollah, a known or suspected terrorist, and an alleged former sniper for the Iranian army 

WASHINGTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested 11 Iranian nationals illegally in the United States over the weekend. ICE also arrested a U.S. citizen who threatened to kill ICE law enforcement while harboring an illegal alien from Iran. The weekend arrests reflect the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) commitment to keeping known and suspected terrorists out of American communities.  

“Under Secretary Noem, DHS has been full throttle on identifying and arresting known or suspected terrorists and violent extremists that illegally entered this country, came in through Biden’s fraudulent parole programs or otherwise,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “We have been saying we are getting the worst of the worst out—and we are. We don’t wait until a military operation to execute; we proactively deliver on President Trump’s mandate to secure the homeland.”  

• On June 22, ICE Atlanta arrested Ribvar Karimi in Locust, Alabama. Karimi reportedly served as an Iranian Army sniper from 2018 to 2021 and at the time of his arrest, in his possession, he had an Islamic Republic of Iran Army identification card. He entered the U.S. on a K-1 visa, which is reserved for aliens engaged to be married to American citizens, in October 2024 under the Biden administration. Karimi never adjusted his status — a legal requirement — and is removable from the United States. He’s currently in ICE custody, where he’ll remain pending removal proceedings. 

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• On June 22, ICE Houston officials arrested Behzad Sepehrian Bahary Nejad, an alien with a final order of removal, who was carrying a loaded 9mm pistol at the time of his arrest. Sepehrian entered the U.S. in Houston on Dec. 9, 2016, on an F-1 student visa. On Aug. 19, 2017, Harris County police arrested him for assaulting a family member by impeding breathing; his wife told the local assistant district attorney that Sepehrian was threatening her and obtained a restraining order against him. She also alleged he was threatening her family in Iran. On July 23, 2018, the University of Texas terminated Sepehrian’s status after he was placed on academic suspension. An immigration judge ordered him removed on Oct. 10, 2019, after he was released on an immigration bond; he filed a motion to reopen his case, which a Department of Justice immigration judge denied. Sepehrian is in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.  

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• Also in Houston, ICE arrested Hamid Reza Bayat, an Iranian national an immigration judge ordered removed nearly 20 years ago, on Aug. 4, 2005. Twice convicted of drug crimes and once convicted of driving on a suspended license, Bayat served time before receiving his final order of removal. He’s now in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.  

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• On June 22, in Tempe — a Phoenix, Arizona suburb — ICE agents arrested Mehrzad Asadi Eidivand, an Iranian citizen with a final order of removal convicted of threatening a law enforcement officer and being an alien in possession of a firearm. Eidivand entered the U.S. in San Ysidro, California, in June 2012. In August 2013, an immigration judge granted him a voluntary departure, which allows an alien to leave the country without a formal ICE removal, but he never left. Eidivand will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings. 

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• At the same residence, officials arrested Linet Vartaniann, a United States citizen, for threatening a law enforcement officer and harboring Eidivand, an illegal alien. Vartaniann threatened to open fire on ICE officials if they entered her home, then said she would go outside and “shoot ICE officers in the head.” ICE officials obtained a search warrant for the residence and arrested the pair, who are now charged with federal crimes.

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• On June 22, in Gluckstadt, Mississippi, ICE officers and agents arrested Yousef Mehridehno, an Iranian national and former lawful permanent resident. The U.S. government terminated Mehridehno’s residency in October 2017 after determining he lied on his original visa application and committed potential marriage fraud. In February, Mehridehno was listed as a known or suspected terrorist, and he’s now in ICE custody pending removal proceedings. 

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• On June 22, in Colorado Springs, ICE officials arrested Mahmoud Shafiei and Mehrdad Mehdipour — two illegally present Iranian nationals living together. Immigration officials first encountered Shafiei in Seattle, Washington, in January 1981; a judge ordered him removed in January 1987. His criminal history includes state and federal convictions for drug crimes and arrests for assault and child abuse. U.S. Border Patrol encountered Mehdipour in June 2023 during the Biden administration near Rio Grande Valley, Texas, and processed him as an expedited removal. Both men are in ICE custody pending removal proceedings. 

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• On June 22, in St. Paul, Minnesota, ICE arrested Mehran Makari Saheli, a 56-year-old Iranian national. He was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm in Minneapolis, where he was sentenced to 15 months in prison. He is a former member of off the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) with admitted connections to Hezbollah. An immigration judge ordered him removed June 28, 2022, under the Biden administration, but he illegally remained in the U.S. Saheli is now in ICE custody pending removal. 

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• On June 22, ICE San Francisco arrested Bahman Alizadeh Asfestani, a 62-year-old Iranian national, with a criminal history that includes a 1994 conviction for petty theft and a 1995 conviction of possession of a controlled substance for sale. Asfestani was sentenced to 10 years in state prison for the drug conviction and is now in ICE custody pending removal proceedings. 

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• On June 23, ICE Buffalo arrested Mohammad Rafikian, a 65-year-old Iranian national convicted of grand larceny, schemes to defraud, criminal impersonation and practicing as an attorney.  
• On the same date, ICE San Diego arrested Arkavan Babk Moirokorli, a 57-year-old Iranian national convicted of forging an official seal. Both are in ICE custody pending removal proceedings. 

You can report crimes and suspicious activity by calling 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form. 

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