Secretary Kristi Noem has face criticism for her anti-immigrant crusade. Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic House Minority Leader, has stated that if Democrats secure a majority in the upcoming midterm elections, Noem would be “one of the first people hauled up to Congress shortly after the gavels change hands.” This single statement underscored the emerging alarm across the Democratic political establishment at Noem’s heavy-handed and un-American pursuit of immigration enforcement.
In recent weeks, Noem has come under fire for her controversial tactics. Jeffries called them “troubling.” He was very outspoken against the tactics that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents employed. This extends to their use of masks and unmarked vehicles in conducting raids, among other practices. The aggressive nature of these operations has recently spurred lawmakers to act on these invasive operations. In turn, Representatives Summer Lee and Robert Garcia have sent a letter asking for detailed answers from DHS on these practices.
The letter accused the agency of using tactics designed to “terrorize immigrant families and shield abuses from accountability.” This feeling highlights the deep-rooted conflict that exists today between immigration enforcement and the upholding of civil liberties. As an advocacy organization, critics claim that Noem’s tactics serve to deter more immigrants by creating a culture of fear among potential migrants.
In her first 200 days as Secretary, Noem announced a big deal. She announced that approximately 1.6 million undocumented immigrants had voluntarily exited the United States. This assertion was rooted in new data just released by DHS. She’s done so with great fanfare, touting deportation numbers. She posted a new “self-deportation” video on social media, set to a Red Hot Chili Peppers song. Taken together, these efforts seem to be aimed at furthering her PR efforts in general with the slogan—though not quite the policy—“Stronger Border, Stronger America.”
Despite her promotion of aggressive immigration policies, Noem has faced cultural ridicule, including a satirical portrayal in the animated series South Park. In response, she blasted the portrayal as “pathetic” and “small-minded” during a recent appearance on the Glenn Beck Program. Furthermore, she said that “liberals and extremists” attempted to attack her looks rather than respond to her policy proposals.
While Noem’s stance on immigration has received support from some quarters, including Jeffries’ backing for deporting immigrants convicted of violent crimes, there remains significant opposition to her methods. Together with the increase in political tensions, it’s a worrying development. Should Democrats take back the House, Representative Bennie Thompson and Jamie Raskin could lead the charge investigating Noem’s actions.