In an announcement on Fox & Friends on Wednesday, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem revealed the arrest of over 150 illegal migrant sex offenders in Florida in a massive enforcement action dubbed “Operation Criminal Return,” which Noem calls “Operation Dirtbag.”
The operation, carried out in partnership with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, targeted individuals who were “sexual deviants and perverts” and included those guilty of sexual assault, battery, and attempted homicide, specifically individuals who “targeted children”.
“Our kids will be safer,” Secretary Noem stated, emphasizing that the partnership with Florida is a model the administration hopes to “replicate across the country”. She stressed that these individuals “should have never been in our country to begin with.”
Noem also addressed the administration’s recent surge of resources into Chicago, which has seen positive results in public safety.
While the operation is transitioning, Noem touted significant crime reductions:
- Homicide: Down 16%
- Shootings: Down 35%
- Robberies: Down 41%
Noem blasted Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker for his “personal attacks against President Trump,” arguing that the governor’s rhetoric “puts his people in jeopardy”. She confirmed the administration will not stop, stating, “We’re going to surge more resources there. We’re not going to just be in Chicago, we’re spreading out to other cities.”
She also noted that 70% of individuals arrested by the administration have criminal convictions or pending charges.
Addressing the debate over legal immigration and the use of visas, including the H-1B program, Secretary Noem confirmed that the administration will “keep using our visa programs.” However, she stressed the focus is on rigorous vetting and “integrity”.
She explained the goal is to ensure that legal immigrants are here “for the right reasons” and are not “supporters of terrorists and organizations that hate America”.
Noem concluded that the administration has sped up the process, added integrity to visa and green card programs, and is overseeing more people becoming naturalized citizens than ever before.
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