Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem dodged kicks from a violent criminal migrant while personally leading a major deportation raid in Phoenix, demonstrating the Trump administration’s renewed commitment to aggressive immigration enforcement.
At a Glance
- Secretary Noem led approximately 100 federal agents in a targeted raid on April 8 in Phoenix, Arizona
- Three illegal immigrants with extensive criminal histories were arrested, including members connected to the Sinaloa Cartel and 18th Street Gang
- Noem actively participated wearing tactical gear and driving a BearCat armored SWAT vehicle
- The operation demonstrates enforcement of the Alien Registration Act of 1940, requiring foreign nationals to register with the government
- Arrested individuals face deportation to El Salvador’s CECOT prison under newly enforced immigration provisions
Hands-On Leadership in Immigration Enforcement
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem took direct action in Phoenix on April 8, personally leading approximately 100 federal agents in a coordinated deportation raid targeting illegal migrants with serious criminal charges.
During the operation, Noem displayed remarkable composure when confronted by one suspect who attempted to kick her, responding calmly, “You’re not scaring me with your Croc.” The high-profile raid resulted in the arrest of three illegal immigrants with extensive criminal backgrounds, showcasing the administration’s commitment to removing dangerous criminals from American communities.
The operation represented unprecedented cooperation between Phoenix Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, and the DEA. Former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski was also present as an adviser to DHS, underscoring the political significance of the operation.
Noem’s active participation included wearing police tactical gear and personally driving a BearCat armored SWAT vehicle during parts of the operation, demonstrating a hands-on approach to immigration enforcement not typically seen from cabinet officials.
High-Value Targets with Cartel Connections
The raids targeted specific high-value criminals with connections to dangerous international organizations. Among those arrested were Bonifacio Renteria-Cruz, linked to the notorious Sinaloa Cartel; Jose Escobar-Robles, involved in money laundering operations for drug cartels; and Luis Garcia-Sanchez, associated with the violent 18th Street Gang. The charges against these individuals included weapons offenses, drug trafficking, and operating sophisticated money laundering schemes that benefited transnational criminal organizations.
“Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem isn’t afraid of getting her hands dirty on President Trump’s deportation raids.”, says Jennie Taer
The coordinated effort represents a significant escalation in immigration enforcement following the Trump administration’s return to power. Secretary Noem emphasized that the operation was just the beginning of a nationwide effort to identify and remove illegal immigrants who pose threats to public safety. The arrests in Phoenix serve as a visible demonstration of the administration’s promised crackdown on illegal immigration, particularly targeting those with criminal backgrounds.
Enforcing Long-Standing Immigration Laws
A key component of the operation involved enforcing provisions of the Alien Registration Act of 1940, which requires foreign nationals in the United States for more than 30 days to register with the federal government. This law, though long on the books, has seen renewed enforcement under the current administration. Failure to comply with registration requirements can now result in criminal charges and substantial financial penalties, providing federal agencies with enhanced authority to enforce immigration laws.
“The effort of cooperation we have between agencies is getting turned onto steroids. We have this being multiplied across the country exponentially, now anyone who’s in this country illegally that’s committing crimes and has broken our laws will face consequences. We’ll be sweeping them up faster than we ever have before.”, says Kristi Noem.
The recent Supreme Court decision lifting an order that had blocked the use of the Alien Enemies Act has provided additional legal tools for the administration’s immigration enforcement strategy. This ruling enables authorities to deport criminal migrants to El Salvador’s CECOT prison, with Noem confirming that El Salvador is willing to accept deported individuals. Secretary Noem also noted that those who have been in the country for more than 30 days without proper registration now face criminal charges and fines up to $1,000 per day, substantially raising the stakes for non-compliance.
