Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is set to face rigorous questioning from Democratic lawmakers during a hearing on immigration policies held by the House Committee on Homeland Security. This session, scheduled for Thursday, addresses “Worldwide Threats to the Homeland,” with a strong focus expected on Noem’s management of immigration enforcement under the administration of Donald Trump.
Noem’s appearance marks her first congressional testimony since May. In the months leading up to this hearing, tensions surrounding immigration enforcement operations have escalated, particularly in major cities like Los Angeles and Chicago. Federal agents have frequently clashed with activists over the tactics employed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which Noem leads.
Increasing Detention Numbers and Policy Changes
Since returning to power in January, Trump has claimed a mandate to reshape immigration policies, citing what he describes as an invasion of the U.S. The number of individuals detained under immigration policies has surged, with the administration continuing to deport migrants to countries they are not originally from. Following an incident involving an Afghan national accused of wounding two National Guard troops, Noem’s department has increased checks and screenings of immigrants within U.S. borders.
The hearing serves as a platform for Congress members to engage with leaders of various agencies, including the DHS, the FBI, and the National Counterterrorism Center, regarding threats facing the nation and their respective responses. This year, the focus will heavily tilt towards immigration enforcement, given Noem’s limited appearances before Congress in a key policy area for the current administration.
In July, Congress allocated approximately $165 billion to the DHS to support its mass deportation agenda and border security initiatives. This funding aims to facilitate the hiring of an additional 10,000 deportation officers, complete the construction of the border wall between the U.S. and Mexico, and enhance the detention and removal of undocumented individuals.
Controversies and Accountability
Noem’s testimony is likely to address criticism from Democratic lawmakers accusing immigration enforcement agents of mistakenly detaining American citizens in their efforts to deport undocumented individuals. The DHS asserts that its operations do not target U.S. citizens, yet acknowledges that arrests have occurred when Americans allegedly interfered with enforcement actions.
Additionally, several Democratic members of the committee are involved in a lawsuit against Noem and the DHS, claiming limited access to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities. This legal challenge underscores the increasing scrutiny the department faces regarding its practices.
Joining Noem at the hearing will be Joseph Kent, director of the National Counterterrorism Center, and Michael Glasheen, operations director of the national security branch of the FBI. Originally, FBI Director Kash Patel was slated to attend, but the representation has shifted to Glasheen.
Past hearings have covered a range of topics, from cybersecurity threats to chemical security and drone usage. Under President Joe Biden, Republican members of Congress have periodically directed their inquiries toward the Democratic administration’s handling of border security, especially amid high migration rates.
This ongoing hearing reflects a pivotal moment in U.S. immigration policy, where the balance between enforcement and humanitarian considerations continues to generate debate and concern among lawmakers and the public alike.
