President Donald Trump gestures as he speaks during his 2025 State of the Union speech. (Mandel Ngan/Pool via Reuters)
"Countless lives have been saved, communities have been strengthened, and the American people have been put first again," Noem stated.
DHS said Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested and removed more than 1,500 known or suspected terrorists over the past year.
Nationwide immigration operations also led to nearly 8,000 gang-related arrests, including members associated with Tren de Aragua and MS-13, the department said. DHS added that it launched a new web page, "Worst of the Worst," tracking criminal illegal immigrants arrested during federal enforcement operations under the administration.
NOEM TOUTS TSA SUCCESS AFTER THOUSANDS WITH TERROR LINKS BARRED FROM FLIGHTS AT MAJOR US AIRPORT
DHS says border crossings have reached record lows under President Trump’s second term. (Kevin Carter/Getty Images)
The department echoed comments made by Trump during his address, blaming Democrats for the partial government shutdown after Senate Democrats again blocked Republicans’ attempt to fund the department before the prime-time speech.
"Despite our historic successes, Democrat Politicians on Capitol Hill have shut down DHS, depriving many of our brave men and women who protect our national security of their paychecks—putting the livelihood of them and their families in jeopardy," DHS said.
During his remarks, Trump criticized Democrats for failing to reach a funding deal.
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"As we speak, Democrats in this chamber have cut off all funding for the Department of Homeland Security. It's all cut off, all cut off. They have instituted another Democrat shutdown, the first one costing us two points on GDP, two points we lost on GDP, which probably made them quite happy actually," Trump said during his speech. "They have closed the agency responsible for protecting Americans from terrorists and murderers."
Trump said he was "demanding" a full and immediate restoration of funding for the department and efforts to protect the border.
Michael Sinkewicz is a writer for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to michael.sinkewicz@fox.com
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/dhs-touts-most-secure-border-us-history-amid-departure-nearly-3m-illegal-immigrants