Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has made significant claims about the failures of the Biden administration’s immigration policies. She argues that under Biden, lax border controls permitted millions of unvetted individuals—including potential terrorists and violent offenders—to cross into the United States. Noem starkly contrasts this record with the previous administration led by Donald Trump, asserting that during his tenure, the U.S. border was “the most secure in American history.”
“Under Joe Biden’s administration, millions of people came into the United States that were completely unvetted,” Noem stated. This assertion underscores her position that the current security landscape is a direct result of failure to enforce strict immigration measures. She points to increased incidents of violence by individuals with criminal backgrounds as evidence of this lapse in oversight.
The Department of Homeland Security’s recent statistics support Noem’s claims. They reveal a dramatic decline in illegal border crossings and a surge in arrests of violent offenders, along with record-high drug seizures since Trump assumed office again on January 20, 2025. Border encounters reportedly dropped by 95% over a year, with ICE deporting more than 670,000 individuals with criminal records. An additional 2.2 million are said to have chosen self-deportation, reflecting a significant turnaround in immigration enforcement.
Key actions have been taken to achieve these results. Noem highlighted aggressive operations, such as Operation Tidal Wave, which resulted in nearly 800 arrests in just four days. Many apprehended were linked to dangerous gangs, including MS-13 and Tren De Aragua. This is emblematic of the administration’s broader strategy of tackling gang-related violence head-on.
Noem emphasized the stark reduction in daily apprehensions, noting that border patrol agents now average about 245 apprehensions per day—down from over 5,000 during the Biden administration. This clear contrast illustrates the significant operational shifts made in enforcing immigration law.
Other notable improvements under the Trump administration, according to DHS reports, include the elimination of parole releases for undocumented migrants, a policy that allowed temporary stays in the country while awaiting court hearings. Noem stated that such policies were criticized for their lack of rigorous vetting and monitoring of those entering the U.S.
Specific cases cited by DHS exemplify the risks associated with weak vetting processes. Rasha Alawieh, a doctor flagged for connections to Hezbollah, entered under the Biden administration but was apprehended after DHS resumed comprehensive background checks. Additionally, Rawy Javier Mogolon Morillo, a notorious gang leader connected with South American criminal organizations, illustrates how previous laxities left openings for dangerous individuals.
Under the current DHS, enforcement efforts have yielded high arrest rates; over 151,000 individuals were detained since early 2025, with a staggering 70% having criminal histories. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin asserted, “On President Trump’s first day in office, he unleashed ICE to target the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens.” This hardline stance is echoed in DHS’s commitment to safeguarding American communities from repeat offenders.
Aside from border control, Noem has highlighted gains in battling drug smuggling. Notably, fentanyl trafficking dropped by 54% in March 2025, a considerable achievement linked to enhanced interdiction strategies and international collaborations. During 2025, the Coast Guard seized over 470,000 pounds of cocaine, pointing to significant efforts against cartels exploiting unregulated borders.
The Trump era also initiated measures to combat immigration fraud. Operation Twin Shield, for instance, led to thousands of visits to potentially fraudulent asylum cases, tightening regulations and accountability in the immigration system. In parallel, a new recruitment initiative within USCIS aims to address workforce gaps and improve processing capabilities for asylum seekers.
According to the Trump administration’s recap reports, taxpayers benefited from operational reforms that generated savings of $13.2 billion, alongside FEMA recovering significant amounts from erroneous disbursements. These achievements aim to instill more trust in governmental functions through improved efficiency and accountability.
Noem conveyed the overarching mission of DHS, stating, “We are bringing not just safety to the border—but security to the American people.” This message positions the department as a guardian of public safety, not just from international threats but also from domestic crime exacerbated by porous borders.
To enhance public awareness about enforcement actions, DHS has launched the “Worst of the Worst” portal. This online resource tracks the criminal backgrounds of illegal aliens expelled from the country, providing transparency into the types of crimes being addressed under these policies. Monthly updates on deportation statistics and parole releases keep the public informed and engaged with ongoing immigration challenges.
The current administration’s swift policy changes have energized supporters of Noem and Trump’s border strategies, who see these outcomes as justification for a firm stance on immigration. Trump himself acknowledged the current state of the border as achieving a “once impossible goal” that has now set a new standard.
As lawmakers consider future policy frameworks, the measurable decreases in illegal activity, alongside increased DHS effectiveness, will likely play a significant role in shaping discussions on immigration and national security. Secretary Noem’s approach emphasizes immediate consequences for those entering unlawfully while enhancing scrutiny at various entry points to proactively address potential public safety threats.
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