Kristi Noem Defends Trump Immigration Policies, Cites Legal Compliance

Homeland Security Secretary argues family detention practices follow federal law and criticizes Biden administration's approach.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the Trump administration's immigration policies during an interview on CBS's 'Face the Nation,' emphasizing compliance with federal law.
Noem addressed the practice of detaining migrant families in ICE facilities, stating it ensures children are not trafficked and is not a revival of past policies but a continuation of legal enforcement.
She announced leadership changes at ICE, naming Todd Lyons as acting director and Madison Sheahan as deputy secretary, aiming to enhance enforcement efforts and collaboration with local law enforcement.
Noem linked Trump's tariffs on Canada and Mexico to combating fentanyl trafficking, alleging collaboration between cartels and Chinese officials to harm Americans.
Critics, including Rep. Jasmine Crockett, challenged Noem's stance, arguing that illegal border crossings are civil violations, not criminal acts, and accused Republicans of misrepresenting the issue.