Category: NCTC Speeches, Testimonies and Interviews

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

Tammy’s Daughter Kayla Was Brutally Murdered By An Illegal Alien MS-13 Gang Member

WASHINGTON – The Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office today released a video featuring the mother of Kayla Hamilton. On July 27, 2022, 20-year-old Kayla was brutally raped and murdered by an illegal alien and MS-13 gang member released into the United States by the Biden Administration.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and President Trump stand with the victims of illegal alien crimes and their families.

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To watch the video please click here. 

“This Mother’s Day, Secretary Noem is honoring Tammy Nobles and all the mother’s who lost loved ones to illegal alien crime,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Kayla’s life was tragically taken by a criminal illegal allen and known MS-13 gang member who was released into our country by the previous administration. We must never forget Kayla, and the many other beautiful American lives lost to illegal alien crime. These sons, daughters, mother, fathers, brothers and sisters should still be with us today, and their absence is a painful reminder, every day, of the importance of a secure border. President Trump and Secretary Noem will continue to fight for the victims of illegal alien crime.”

The following are just a few example of the murderous crimes committed by MS-13 members:

Secretary Noem relaunched the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) office. The VOICE office was shuttered by the previous administration, which left victims of alien crime without access to many key support services and resources. The office was first launched in 2017 by the Trump administration as a dedicated resource for those who have been victimized by crime that has a nexus to immigration.

If you or a loved one has been impacted by a crime committed by an illegal alien, you are not alone.

Call 1-855-48-VOICE (1-855-488-6423).

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Source: US Department of Homeland Security

ACLU falsely accused DHS of deporting a U.S. Citizen despite the child’s mother choosing to bring the child with her when she was removed. 

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security announced that the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) dropped its baseless lawfare case against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department.

“The ACLU dropped its lawsuit on the false claims that DHS deported a U.S. citizen,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “The truth is, and has always been, that the mother—who was in the country illegally—chose to bring her 2-year-old with her to Honduras when she was removed. The narrative that DHS is deporting American children is false and irresponsible.”

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The parent, Jenny Carolina Lopez-Villela , made the decision to take her child to Honduras. ICE asks parents if they want to be removed with their children or if they would like to place a child with someone the parent designates. In this case, the parent stated they wanted to be removed with their child.

Jenny Carolina Lopez-Villela illegally entered this country three times in September 2019, March of 2021, and August 2021. She and her older daughter were deemed inadmissible to the United States the first time she entered the country and both her and her daughter were given final orders of removal in March 2020. When she was taken into ICE custody in April 2025, she chose to bring her younger daughter, who is an American Citizen, with her to Honduras and presented a valid United States passport.

DHS takes its responsibility to protect children seriously and will continue to work with federal law enforcement to ensure that children are safe and protected. Parents, who are here illegally, can take control of their departure. The CBP Home app gives parents illegally in the country a chance to take full control of their departure and self-deport, with the potential ability to return the legal, right way and come back to live the American dream. It is free and available for all mobile devices.

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Source: US Department of Homeland Security

The mainstream media fawned over this terrorist sympathizer and claimed his arrest was an attack on First Amendment Rights

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today set the record straight on Columbia University riots ringleader Mohsen Mahdawi. In recent days, misleading and lazy reporting painted the leader of pro-terrorist demonstrations as a “peacemaker.” Court records allege that Mahdawi told a gun shop owner that he used firearms to “kill Jews.”

In a brief filed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) on April 28 in the United States District Court for the District of Vermont, Mohsen Mahdawi was cited as admitting to being involved in and supporting pro-terrorist acts of violence. Mahdawi also allegedly admitted to familiarity with firearms per a police report. The federal filing reveals: 

• Mahdawi supposedly told a gun shop owner “that he had considerable firearm experience” and used guns to “kill Jews while he was in Palestine.”
• Mahadawi was cited as having experience building firearms, including modified 9mm submachine guns.
• Another member of the community recalled Mahdawi stating “I like to kill Jews.”
• In a police report, a concerned individual reported that Mahdawi requested to purchase a sniper rifle and a machine gun. He also claimed that he said he used to make guns for Hezbollah.

Below is an excerpt of the DOJ’s brief:

 

This week, Mahdawi also accused the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of staging a citizenship interview as a trap in order to arrest him. Many in the media failed to report the real story here, which is that this terrorist sympathizer allegedly bragged to a gun shop owner that he had considerable firearms experience as he used to “kill Jews while he was in Palestine.”

Statement Attributable to Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin:

“As the media works overtime to glorify a ringleader of the Columbia pro-terrorist riots, court documents show Mahdawi allegedly told a gun shop owner that he had considerable firearms experience and he ‘used to kill Jews.’ The media tried to paint Mohsen Mahdawi as a martyr for free speech. The truth is he is a terrorist sympathizer and national security threat who does not belong in this country. Why does the media continue to defend terrorist sympathizers?” 

Below are just a handful of examples of misleading headlines.

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

 The Secretary blasted sanctuary jurisdictions for failing to uphold federal law and called on leaders to stand up for Americans who have been victimized by reckless sanctuary policies

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem today held a press conference highlighting the devastation sanctuary policies have caused in Illinois and across America with Angel families who shared their tragic stories of their loved ones lost because of illegal alien crime. The Secretary also called out Illinois Governor Pritzker for shielding law breakers.

“As Secretary of Homeland Security, I’m going to uphold our federal immigration laws,” said Secretary Kristi Noem. “I’m going to draw attention to people who are breaking the law and violating our Constitution. I’m going to fight for the victims every single day and draw attention to them as long as we can. And President Trump will continue to do that as well. We should be united as a country around bringing violent criminals to justice and getting them out of the United States of America.”

To watch the full press conference, click here.

Some of the Angel Families who attended the press conference include: 

• Jim Walden, Angel Father of Lance Corporal James Ray “Jimmy” Walden III. Jimmy was killed by a twice-deported illegal alien who crashed into Jimmy’s motorcycle. He was killed in Maryland, but his father lives in Illinois.
• Kathy Zander, Angel Mother of John Zander. Four days before his 23rd birthday, John was convinced by his best friend to snort cocaine, not knowing that his friend had spiked it with fentanyl. John died from fentanyl poisoning.
• Brian McCann, Angel Brother of Dennis “Denny” McCann. Denny was crossing the street when he was hit by a car in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood and dragged to his death by an illegal alien. The driver was charged in the fatal crash, but after being released on bond, he disappeared.   
• Nancy Platania Angel Mother of Nick Platania who tragically lost his life to a fentanyl overdose. Nick worked to get others clean from drugs and started his own business before his life was tragically taken by deadly drugs funneled into American communities. 

There are more than 200 sanctuary jurisdictions across the nation. The following headlines are only a handful of examples of sanctuary leaders refusing to work with federal law enforcement to protect Americans. 

New York Governor Kathy Hochul:

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers:

Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell:

Portland Police Chief Bob Day:

Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell:

Boston Police Department Commissioner Michael Cox:

On April 28, 2025, President Donald Trump signed the Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens Executive Order. Under the President’s order, the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Attorney General are directed to publish a list of states and local jurisdictions that obstruct the enforcement of federal immigration laws.

Under President Trump’s leadership, DHS will work with DOJ to end violations of federal immigration law and bring jurisdictions into compliance with the laws of the United States.

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Source: US Department of Homeland Security

Travelers with a non-compliant ID will now face additional screening measures. 

WASHINGTON — Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the implementation of its REAL ID enforcement measures at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints nationwide. Most travelers won’t even notice a difference because 81% of travelers are already REAL ID compliant.

“REAL ID helps ensure that travelers are who they say they are and prevents fraud by criminals, terrorists, and illegal aliens,” said Secretary Kristi Noem. “Enforcing federal law will help keep American travelers safe.”

TSA will enforce REAL ID and ensure there is no impact to wait times or TSA screening applications, especially for those passengers who are prepared with their REAL ID, passport, or other acceptable form of ID. Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID compliant at TSA checkpoints and who do not have another acceptable alternative form of ID will be notified of their non-compliance and may be directed to a separate area to receive additional screening.

TSA expects the number of passengers obtaining REAL IDs to steadily increase and will continue with additional screening measures for those without a REAL ID until it is no longer considered a security vulnerability. 

More information on REAL ID can be found at this link TSA.gov/real-id

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem hosts a press conference in Illinois Governor Pritzker’s backyard with Angel Families to call out the state’s sanctuary policies that undermine the rule of law and endanger fellow Americans.  

Some of the Angel Families that will be in attendance are: 

• The family of Denny McCann: Denny was crossing the street when he was hit by a car in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood and dragged to his death by an illegal alien. The driver was charged in the fatal crash, but after being released on bond, he disappeared.  
• The family of Jimmy Walden: Jimmy was killed by a twice deported illegal alien who crashed into Jimmy’s motorcycle. He was killed in Maryland, but his father lives in Illinois.  

You can watch the full press conference here.    

“I am calling upon Governor Pritzker, and other leaders in the state of Illinois, to abandon these dangerous sanctuary policies,” said Secretary Kristi Noem. “We need to return to law and order and put the safety of Americans first.”  

Just this month, ICE arrested Mexican national, Martin Chavez-Lomeli Jr., convicted in 2023 of killing his father and was sentenced to 20 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC). After his conviction for second-degree murder, he was removeable from the country.

However, in 2023, ICE placed a detainer on Chavez-Lomeli Jr. at Illinois Department of Correction and the State of Illinois elected not to honor the ICE detainer. Chavez-Lomeli Jr. was released from prison after serving less than 6 years of a 20-year sentence and was placed on parole.  

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Source: US Department of Homeland Security

WASHINGTON—Today, Secretary Kristi Noem announced that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will request the Department of Justice bring alien smuggling charges and seek the death penalty against two Mexican nationals whose human smuggling operation resulted in at least three deaths. Secretary Noem’s request is based on a thorough review of both the Immigration and Naturalization Act and the Federal Death Penalty Act.

On May 5, 2025, United States Coast Guard (USCG) Sector San Diego received a report from the North County Dispatch Joint Powers Authority (North Comm) of an overturned panga-style boat that washed ashore in Torrey Pine, San Diego. USCG Sector San Diego engaged multiple DHS and local assets to assist, including U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), United States Border Patrol (USBP), and San Diego Fire-Rescue. USBP confirmed through interviews of surviving individuals that there were originally 16 persons on board, including 14 adults and two minors. Two surviving individuals identified as Mexican nationals were detained on suspicion of smuggling illegal aliens into the United States. Three deceased were recovered and identified as Indian nationals. Seven others remain missing.

Statement Attributable to Secretary Kristi Noem:

“Yesterday, off the coast of southern California, a panga-style boat capsized that was operated by Mexican nationals attempting to smuggle 14 aliens into the U.S. Tragically, three people were killed and seven are still missing. I commend the U.S. Coast Guard, and all Homeland Security personnel involved in the immediate response and ongoing investigation. Their professionalism and rapid action in perilous conditions reflect the highest standards of service and dedication to saving lives and upholding our nation’s laws.

“This tragedy is a stark reminder of the inhumanity and lethal danger inherent to human smuggling at sea. Their deaths were not only avoidable but were also the direct result of the greed and indifference of smugglers who exploited them. Maritime smuggling is not just illegal—it is a violent and inherently dangerous crime. Those who knowingly place human lives at grave risk in furtherance of such crimes must be held fully accountable.

“Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, alien smuggling acts that result in death are capital crimes punishable by death. And under the Federal Death Penalty Act, those who intentionally participate in conduct knowing that it could result in the loss of life may be eligible for capital punishment. Accordingly, I will be formally requesting that the Attorney General ensure that these two suspected smugglers are swiftly prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I will also be urging the Attorney General to seek the death penalty in this case. The Department of Homeland Security will not tolerate this level of criminal depravity or reckless disregard for human life. We will continue to work with our federal partners to ensure justice is served and our laws upheld.”

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Source: US Department of Homeland Security

WASHINGTON – The Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office today released a video featuring the parents of Matthew Denice. Matthew was killed by an illegal alien who was driving drunk in 2011. The illegal alien ran a stop sign and knocked Matthew off his motorcycle and then dragged him a quarter mile to his death. He was only 23 years old.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and President Trump stand with the victims of illegal alien crimes and their families.

To watch the video please click here.

“Far too many American lives have been lost because of illegal aliens driving drunk, including Mathew Denice, Sarah Root, and so many others,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “These Americans killed by drunk-driving illegal aliens should still be with us today, and we feel their absence in our schools and offices, at our dinner tables, and throughout our communities. President Trump and Secretary Noem have reopened the VOICE Office to serve all victims of illegal alien crime and their families.”

The following names are just a handful of Americans whose lives were taken too soon at the hands of illegal aliens driving under the influence.

On April 10, Secretary Noem relaunched the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) office. The VOICE office was shuttered by the previous administration, which left victims of alien crime without access to many key support services and resources. The office was first launched in 2017 by the Trump administration as a dedicated resource for those who have been victimized by crime that has a nexus to immigration.

 

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Source: US Department of Homeland Security

The First Illegal Alien to Utilize Travel Assistance has Already Returned to Honduras

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a historic opportunity for illegal aliens to receive both financial and travel assistance to facilitate travel back to their home country through the CBP Home App. Any illegal alien who uses the CBP Home App to self-deport will also receive a stipend of $1,000 dollars, paid after their return to their home country has been confirmed through the app.

Self-deportation is a dignified way to leave the U.S. and will allow illegal aliens to avoid being encountered by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Even with the cost of the stipend, it is projected that the use of CBP Home will decrease the costs of a deportation by around 70 percent. Currently the average cost to arrest, detain, and remove an illegal alien is $17,121.

The first use of travel assistance has already proven successful. An illegal alien that the Biden Administration allowed into our country recently utilized the program to receive a ticket for a flight from Chicago to Honduras. Additional tickets have already been booked for this week and the following week.

“If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest. DHS is now offering illegal aliens financial travel assistance and a stipend to return to their home country through the CBP Home App,” said Secretary Kristi Noem. “This is the safest option for our law enforcement, aliens and is a 70% savings for US taxpayers. Download the CBP Home App TODAY and self-deport.”

Illegal aliens submitting their intent to voluntarily self-deport in CBP Home will also be deprioritized for detention and removal ahead of their departure as long as they demonstrate they are making meaningful strides in completing that departure. Participation in CBP Home Self-Deportation may help preserve the option for an illegal alien to re-enter the United States legally in the future.

Qualifying aliens need to submit their “Intent to Depart” via the CBP Home app. For further information, visit DHS.gov/CBPhome.

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

WASHINGTON —Today, the Department of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Department of State, rescinded Romania’s Visa Waiver Program (VWP) designation.

Despite security concerns, the Biden Administration designated Romania as a VWP country on January 9, 2025. On March 25, 2025, DHS paused implementation of the VWP in order to conduct a review of Romania’s designation. That review has concluded and, given this Administration’s focus on border and immigration security, DHS decided that Romania’s designation should be rescinded in order to protect the integrity of the VWP and to ensure border and immigration security. Romania may be reconsidered for VWP designation in the future should they meet the statutory eligibility criteria.

“Maintaining the Visa Waiver Program’s high standards is essential to our national security. In light of this Administration’s focus on border and immigration security, the Secretary of Homeland Security has decided, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to rescind Romania’s VWP designation effective immediately,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “We are grateful for Romania’s close partnership over the years to enhance security cooperation. Romania may be reconsidered for VWP admission in the future.”

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