In a revealing interview with Jesse Watters, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem shared her tough stance on sanctuary cities, particularly focusing on Portland, Oregon. Noem delivered a bold message: if city officials do not actively support ICE agents, they should expect a significant influx of federal agents to assert law and order in their jurisdictions.
Noem outlined the situation in Portland, where she believes local leaders have failed to protect federal officers from violent groups such as Antifa. “I met with… the superintendent of the state police. I told them what we wanted,” Noem explained. She emphasized the urgent need for a larger security buffer around ICE facilities to ensure the safety of federal agents who have faced increasing hostility. The ramp-up in federal presence would serve as a reminder to these sanctuary city officials to align themselves with federal law enforcement requests.
Noem’s ultimatum to the mayor of Portland was clear: either cooperate with federal security demands or face overwhelming federal resources. She expressed her frustration over the mayor’s reluctance to commit to necessary security measures, stating, “I’m so extremely disappointed he’s continuing to play politics.” Noem’s determination was evident when she explained how she communicated her expectations to the mayor: “What I told him is that if he did not follow through on some of these security measures for our officers, we were going to cover him up with more federal resources.”
The Secretary pointed out that while local officials have maintained a political stance, they are neglecting the safety of residents. In her view, the mayor is more afraid of the anarchists than of the federal officers who are dedicated to restoring order. “Here’s the deal, Jesse, is they’re more scared of the anarchists that are down on the street right now yelling horrible, horrific threats at our officers than they are of the officers or the people that live in this city,” she asserted. Her comments underscore a sense of urgency, calling attention to citizens’ need for safety amidst chaos.
Noem’s narrative also brought attention to specific law enforcement actions being taken by federal agents. She highlighted how ICE officers played a crucial role in taking a known sex offender off the streets, demonstrating that federal efforts are committed to maintaining public safety. “It is our federal CBP and ICE officers that are cleaning up this city,” she stated firmly. Noem criticized the local leadership for their lack of appreciation toward these efforts, indicating a disconnect between federal objectives and local political games.
Moreover, Noem asserted that the federal government would not relent in its pursuit of safety, showing confidence that the current reticence from local leaders could soon shift. She remarked, “They said that they were glad that that was happening, but that they weren’t going to change their posture.” Her confidence reflects a resolve to hold sanctuary city officials accountable for their inaction.
The confrontation between Noem and the mayor illustrates larger tensions between federal authority and local governance. Noem’s intentions to increase federal presence in Portland if city leaders do not act serve not only as a warning but as a call for accountability. The interview on “Jesse Watters Primetime” highlights the critical issues of crime, safety, and the responsibilities that local leaders carry in collaborating with federal authorities to maintain order.
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