The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has arrested more than 480,000 illegal immigrants in the past nine months — with 70% of them convicted of crimes or facing criminal charges — Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced Monday.
Speaking at press events in Bradenton and Sarasota, Florida, Noem credited President Donald Trump’s administration for restoring strong enforcement policies through Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“President Trump unleashed ICE to target the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens,” Noem said. “Some of the criminals arrested include illegal aliens convicted of incest with a minor, homicide, sexual assault of a minor, and domestic violence.”
Noem said the 70% figure excludes foreign fugitives, gang members, and suspected terrorists. “We are not going to let these individuals terrorize our streets anymore, and we’re not going to let them make victims out of families that live in this country,” she added.
Noem said DHS and ICE are “focused on the worst of the worst, bringing these individuals to justice.”
“Since January, DHS has arrested over 480,000 criminal illegal aliens — 70 percent of those individuals have criminal charges against them or have been convicted of those charges,” she said.
The announcement follows the Trump administration’s expanded enforcement measures, emphasizing public safety and removal of violent offenders. DHS officials said the arrests reflect a renewed focus on interior enforcement in coordination with local law enforcement agencies.
