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Noem Defends Disputed 70% Detainee-Crime Figure in Testy CBS Interview

CBS cited DHS data showing a lower share, underscoring a broader fight over how the agency counts criminal histories.

Overview

  • In a Jan. 18 Face the Nation appearance, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said 70% of people ICE has detained or arrested have charges or convictions.
  • Host Margaret Brennan responded that DHS data show about 47% of those currently in custody have criminal convictions.
  • A DHS public affairs official told CBS the 70% figure refers to arrests under the second Trump administration rather than the current detention population and to charges or convictions in the United States.
  • Noem rejected CBS’s framing and accused the program of “lying,” asserting that media outlets cherry-pick statistics.
  • She objected to the on-air use of the identified agent’s name in the Jan. 7 Minneapolis shooting and confirmed the case is under review, as DHS describes the Minneapolis action as its largest operation with nearly 3,000 agents.