Category: NCTC Speeches, Testimonies and Interviews

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

One of the illegal aliens arrested is a foreign fugitive wanted for homicide in Honduras

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today released the following statement after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested 72 illegal aliens at a nightclub run by a suspected member of the Los Zetas Cartel during an operation in the Charleston, South Carolina area over the weekend. Los Zetas, now formally recognized as Cártel del Noreste (CDN) was formally designated a terrorist organization by the Trump Administration in February 2025.

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Prior to the operation, ICE received information from a source that “The Alamo”-–an underground illegal nightclub-–was the location of weapons, narcotics, and human trafficking. ICE also seized cash, narcotics, and firearms during the operation. 

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During the operation, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the unlicensed establishment, leading to: 

• 72 arrests, including individuals with serious prior offenses.
• 6 juveniles recovered and turned over to state social services for protection and care.  

Arrests are still being processed.  

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One of the most high-profile arrests was of Sergio Joel Galo-Baca, a Honduran illegal alien and foreign fugitive with an active Interpol Red Notice for homicide in Honduras. 

“Day in and day out, the brave men and women of ICE are working with local law enforcement to keep American communities safe. The successful operation that took place in the Charleston area resulted in more than 70 arrests of illegal aliens—including an international murder suspect and the dismantling of a nightclub run by a suspected cartel member where drug, weapon, and human trafficking were taking place,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, fugitives and law breakers are on notice: Leave now or ICE will find you and deport you.”  

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Charlotte led the operation with local law enforcement, which took place on June 1.

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Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

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Source: US Department of Homeland Security

Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, DHS is revamping resources and personnel to get terrorists, gang members, sex offenders, and violent criminal illegal aliens out of the country

WASHINGTON – In the wake of the most recent terror attack in Boulder, Colorado—allegedly committed by illegal alien Mohamed Soliman—the Department of Homeland Security is revamping its Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) tip line.  

The 24-hour tip line gives Americans the ability to report suspicious criminal activity by illegal aliens including terrorist activity, gang related crimes, and suspected sex trafficking. The tip line is manned by highly trained specialists who take reports from both the public and law enforcement agencies on the more than 400 laws enforced by ICE. Secretary Noem will be providing more resources and personnel to this tip line to ensure DHS is able to quickly identify, locate, and arrest these criminal illegal aliens. 

“For four years, the Biden Administration allowed millions of unvetted illegal aliens—including terrorists, gang members, and other violent criminals—to pour into our country. Yesterday’s terrorist attack by a suspect illegally in our country, underscores the importance of getting these illegal aliens out of our country,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Secretary Noem is revamping ICE’s illegal alien tip line to devote more resources and personnel to help remove these criminal illegal aliens from our country. To report suspicious criminal activity, call 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423)— help President Trump, Secretary Noem and our brave law enforcement remove these public safety threats from our communities and to make America safe again.”  

To report suspicious criminal activity, call 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423).

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Source: US Department of Homeland Security

CHNV was an unlawful scheme to unleash over 530,000 poorly vetted aliens into America

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) secured a legal victory in its effort to terminate parole for more than 530,000 illegal aliens from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela (CHNV) who were released into the country by the Biden Administration. The U.S. Supreme Court issued a 7-2 order, staying a District Court’s order pending appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.

With this decision, DHS can once again start removing illegal aliens under the disastrous CHNV parole programs as the case progresses. This order comes after an activist judge ruled that DHS could not outright end the CHNV program.

DHS released the following statement on the Supreme Court’s decision to allow the Trump Administration to keep Americans safe: 

Statement Attributable to Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin 

“Today’s decision is a victory for the American people. The Biden Administration lied to America. They allowed more than half a million poorly vetted aliens from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela and their immediate family members to enter the United States through these disastrous parole programs; granted them opportunities to compete for American jobs and undercut American workers; forced career civil servants to promote the programs even when fraud was identified; and then blamed Republicans in Congress for the chaos that ensued and the crime that followed,”  

“Ending the CHNV parole programs, as well as the paroles of those who exploited it, will be a necessary return to common-sense policies, a return to public safety, and a return to America First.” 

Read the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling here. 

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

Sanctuary jurisdictions undermine the rule of law and endanger the lives of Americans and Law Enforcement

WASHINGTON — Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a comprehensive list of sanctuary jurisdictions including cities, counties, and states that are deliberately obstructing the enforcement of federal immigration laws and endangering American citizens. Sanctuary cities protect dangerous criminal illegal aliens from facing consequences and put law enforcement in grave danger. This action follows the signing of an Executive Order by President Donald J. Trump on April 28, 2025. The order directs the Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and the Attorney General Pam Bondi to identify and publicly highlight jurisdictions that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.

DHS is committed to exposing these lawless jurisdictions to the public and making them accountable for not respecting the rule of law.

“These sanctuary city politicians are endangering Americans and our law enforcement in order to protect violent criminal illegal aliens,” said DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. “We are exposing these sanctuary politicians who harbor criminal illegal aliens and defy federal law. President Trump and I will always put the safety of the American people first. Sanctuary politicians are on notice: comply with federal law.”

Each jurisdiction listed will receive formal notification of its non-compliance and all potential violations of federal criminal statutes. DHS demands that these jurisdictions immediately review and revise their policies to align with federal immigration laws and renew their obligation to protect American citizens, not dangerous illegal aliens.

Review the jurisdictions list.

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Source: US Department of Homeland Security

Report reveals 1 in 6 survivors were forced to engage in sexual acts in exchange for basic necessities like food and housing

WASHINGTON – A new report about the aftermath of the August 2023 Lahaina, Hawaii, fires reveals FEMA’s horrific neglect and mismanagement under the Biden Administration.   

According to the report, issued by Filipino Hawaiian advocacy group Tagnawa, conditions for survivors in the aftermath of the fire were both appalling and inhumane. 1 in 6 survivors were forced to engage in sexual acts in exchange for basic necessities like food and housing and some women had to sleep in cars because they felt unsafe in FEMA-coordinated shelters. 

“1 in 6 survivors of the Lahaina Fires were forced to engage in sexual acts in exchange for basic necessities like food and housing. These women — our fellow American citizens — were so desperate for food that they had to resort to such extreme measures just to feed themselves in our own country. That’s unacceptable. That is unAmerican,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “While American citizens from Hawaii to North Carolina suffered, Biden and Mayorkas used FEMA as a piggy bank, spending hundreds of millions of American taxpayer dollars to housing illegal aliens, including at the Roosevelt Hotel that served as a Tren de Aragua base of operations and was used to shelter Laken Riley’s killer.” 

This is yet another outrageous example of the gross mismanagement and poor treatment of Americans under the prior administration. 

This will never happen again under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Noem.

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Source: US Department of Homeland Security

The Trump Administration will be relentless in its efforts to end Harvard’s abuse of the American taxpayer and national security interests

The United States Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem continued to hold Harvard University accountable for failing to comply with Student Exchange Visa Program (SEVP) regulations, for encouraging and allowing antisemitic and anti-American violence to rage on its campus, and for coordinating with Chinese Communist Party officials on training that undermined American national security.

Following a letter from Harvard officials indicating an “intent” to now comply with SEVP, Secretary Noem held firm and reminded the once respected institution, which has disgraced American values, it still has a long way to comply with requirements of the program and be trusted with U.S. taxpayer dollars

“Harvard’s refusal to comply with SEVP oversight was the latest evidence that it disdains the American people and takes for granted U.S. taxpayer benefits,” said Secretary Kristi Noem. “Following our letter to Harvard, the school attempted to claim it now wishes to comply with SEVP standards. We continue to reject Harvard’s repeated pattern of endangering its students and spreading American hate—it must change its ways in order to participate in American programs.” 

The Department will continue to engage in good faith with Harvard and looks forward to the University’s full compliance with its requests.

Full text of the notice is available here.

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Source: US Department of Homeland Security

The Biden Administration released both illegal aliens into the country in 2023

WASHINGTON – On May 25, 18-year-old Ava Moore was hit by an illegal alien on a jet ski while kayaking in Lake Grapevine and tragically killed. The illegal alien fled the scene. Moore recently accepted an appointment to join the U.S. Air Force Academy as a member of the class of 2029. 

The driver of the jet ski was allegedly Daikerlyn Alejandraa Gonzalez-Gonzalez, an illegal alien from Venezuela. Following the collision, Gonzalez allegedly fled the scene with Maikel Alexander Coello-Perozo, also an illegal alien, and they also struck two vehicles while leaving.

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Ava Moore, one of the countless victims of illegal alien crime. 

Gonzalez has been charged with felony manslaughter.

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Daikerlyn Alejandraa Gonzalez-Gonzalez 

Perozo has been charged with hindering apprehension. 

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Maikel Alexander Coello-Perozo

ICE lodged immigration detainers with the Grapevine Police Department following the arrest of Gonzalez and Perozo. Both are in removal proceedings.

Gonzalez entered the United States illegally on Sept. 28, 2023, and was released by the previous administration into the country. 

Perozo entered the country illegally on January 22, 2023, and was released by the previous administration into the country.

“Ava Moore was a patriot serving her country when she was killed by an illegal alien in a hit-and-run over Memorial Day weekend. This senseless tragedy was 100 percent preventable,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Daikerlyn Gonzalez and Maikel Perozo should have never been in our country and Ava Moore should be alive today preparing for the Air Force Academy. The previous administration’s open border policies have cost too many Americans their lives. President Trump and Secretary Noem will continue to stand with victims of illegal alien crime and their families.”

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Source: US Department of Homeland Security

WASHINGTON – Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem released the following statement after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested an illegal alien who threatened to assassinate President Trump.

“Thanks to our ICE officers, this illegal alien who threatened to assassinate President Trump is behind bars,” said Secretary Kristi Noem. “This threat comes not even a year after President Trump was shot in Butler, Pennsylvania and less than two weeks after former FBI Director Comey called for the President’s assassination. All politicians and members of the media should take notice of these repeated attempts on President Trump’s life and tone down their rhetoric. I will continue to take all measures necessary to ensure the protection of President Trump.”

On May 21, an ICE field intelligence officer received a handwritten letter in the mail from Ramon Morales Reyes, in which he promised to self-deport after he used his gun to shoot President Trump in the head at one of his rallies.

On May 22, ICE arrested Ramon Morales-Reyes, a 54-year-old illegal alien from Mexico.

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Morales entered the U.S. illegally at least nine times between 1998-2005. His criminal record includes arrests for felony hit and run, criminal damage to property and disorderly conduct with a domestic abuse modifier.

He will remain in ICE custody at Dodge County Jail in Juneau, Wisconsin, pending his removal proceedings.

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Source: US Department of Homeland Security

President Trump and Secretary Noem are dismantling drug cartels that profit from trafficking, violence, and lawlessness

WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security released a video featuring the parents of Nicholas Quets, a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran who was viciously murdered by members of the Sinaloa cartel.

On October 18^th, 2024, Nicholas Quets traveled to Rocky Point, Mexico, where upon entry, he encountered a Sinaloa cartel checkpoint. These cartel members attempted to steal his pickup truck before shooting him in the back through his heart, ultimately taking his life at just 31 years old.

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Watch the video.

President Trump and Secretary Noem have taken decisive action to dismantle drug cartels. On President Trump’s first day in office, he signed an executive order to designate drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. This designation expands law enforcement and the government’s ability to crack down on cartels’ drug and sex trafficking operations in the U.S.

On what would have been Nicholas Quets’ 32^nd birthday, the Treasury Department announced sanctions against six individuals and seven entities allegedly involved in a money-laundering network supporting the Sinaloa cartel.

Earlier this month, HSI along with the help of the Mexican government arrested Jacobo Regalado “J3” a high-ranking member of the Sinaloa cartel in Mexico. He is responsible for hundreds of homicides and smuggling illicit drugs into the U.S.

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Additionally, earlier this month, Pedro Inzunza Noriega and Pedro Inzunza Coronel, key leaders of the Beltran Leyva Organization (BLO), a powerful and violent faction of the Sinaloa cartel that is believed to be the world’s largest known fentanyl production network, were charged with narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, and money laundering.

“Nicholas Quets was a patriot who served our country honorably and was killed by these cartel cowards who shot him in the back. President Trump and Secretary Noem are honoring his memory by dismantling the Sinaloa cartel and other drug cartels that profit from trafficking, violence, and lawlessness,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “President Trump’s strong leadership and these arrests and prosecutions of scum-of-the-earth cartel leaders are delivering results. The days of unchecked cartel violence are over.”

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Source: US Department of Homeland Security

The Secretary Held Meetings with 3 Heads of State and Multiple Ministers

WASHINGTON – U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem held bilateral meetings with world leaders in Rome, Italy, Manama, Bahrain, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Israel and Rzeszow, Poland, to advance U.S. Homeland Security interests.

Poland President Andrzej Duda

President Duda thanked President Trump for his close partnership and DHS Secretary Noem for visiting Poland. He fondly recalled President Trump’s 2017 visit to Warsaw before the G-7 Summit and his three visits to the Oval Office.

Asked what message he wanted the DHS Secretary to bring back to President Trump, Duda said, “We believe in America.”  Duda underscored the importance of Polish leaders building closer ties with the United States. He also took pride in championing our bilateral civ-nuk cooperation and expressed appreciation for former Ambassador Mosbacher’s leadership to secure visa-free travel for Poles.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

President Trump asked Secretary Noem to meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu. The Secretary and Prime Minister had a candid conversation where the Secretary reiterated President Trump’s desire to bring peace to the region and for Iran to never obtain or develop nuclear weapons.

Secretary Noem offered, on behalf of President Trump and the people of the United States of America, condolences for the loss of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky in the horrific terrorist attack that occurred last week in Washington, DC.

The Secretary also met and held a candle lighting ceremony and tree planting in honor of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.

The Secretary reaffirmed the United States and Israel’s longstanding friendship.

Bahrain King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa

Secretary Noem’s visit to Bahrain made history as the first U.S. Homeland Security Secretary to visit the United States Coast Guard Patrol Forces Southwest Asia. Bahrain houses one of the U.S.’s largest and most strategic bases in the region with six USCG Cutters and over 200 personnel providing security for the U.S. Navy and the U.S. shipping industry. Secretary Noem met with U.S. Coast Guard personnel and discussed Force Design 2028, the USCG’s most transformative restructuring since World War II. She reiterated President Trump’s desire to rebuild the U.S. Coast Guard, creating the world’s finest maritime fighting force.

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Secretary Noem reaffirmed the countries’ longstanding friendship of more than 50 years and discussed U.S. security assets in Bahrain.

Italian Minister of the Interior Matteo Piantedosi

Secretary Noem also met Italian Minister of the Interior Matteo Piantedosi to discuss the United States and Italy’s shared commitment to fighting transnational crime, including efforts to disrupt human trafficking, smuggling networks, and organized criminal activity.