Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem has warned criminal illegal aliens that they face “consequences” as deportation efforts ramp up across the country.
Noem touted new arrests of criminal aliens following a recent ICE operation in northern Virginia.
Sporting a tactical vest, Noem highlighted the arrests of violent gang members and sex offenders in a video shared on her X account.
WATCH:
We will not be deterred by leaks. If you come to this country and break our laws, we will hunt you down.
Successful enforcement operation this morning—getting MS-13 members, 18th Street gang members and perpetrators of sexual crimes off our streets. pic.twitter.com/67iqcFJw6x
— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) March 4, 2025
The DHS chief warned of “consequences” for criminal aliens in an interview with ABC News.
The outlet joined Noem and ICE agents for the operation in Virginia.
ABC reported that the raids led to the arrest of at least two men, an 18th Street gang member and another man who was convicted of sexual battery.
However, the exact scale of the roundup is uncertain.
An ICE spokesman reportedly told the Washington Post:
“By policy and due to officer safety, we don’t comment on ongoing operations.
“The number of arrests is ongoing.”
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has asked Congress to provide more funding to help ramp up his deportation efforts.
Border crossings have plummeted since Trump returned to the White House.
However, Trump is reportedly frustrated over the pace of interior enforcement.
ICE’s efforts have been plagued by internal leaks.
The leaks have provided advance warning to illegal aliens in cities like Los Angeles and Aurora, a suburb of Denver.
During several ICE raids, violent gang members have been able to flee before agents arrived after getting advance warning from federal leakers.
Last week, Noem said that she fired some individuals within DHS who were responsible for leaking information.
Nevertheless, the problem has persisted.
Pro-illegal immigration groups have been publicizing the raids in Virginia beforehand.
In a post on X, Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid wrote:
“Starting Monday 3/March, ICE activity expected in Northern VA (Arlington, Alexandria, Annandale, Fairfax, Prince William, Loudoun) & surrounding areas that could result in several arrests.
“Please be aware of your surroundings, tell your friends/family too.”
While deportations remain a challenge, illegal border crossings hit their lowest point in decades during Trump’s first full month back in office.
Crossings fell to 8,300 in February as Trump toughened immigration policy and the government’s messaging to foreigners.
The president touted the decrease during his speech to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night.
Trump blasted his predecessor, former President Joe Biden, for letting a historic influx of people into the nation’s interior.
“The media and our friends in the Democrat Party kept saying we needed new legislation, we must have legislation to secure the border,” Trump said.
“But it turned out that all we really needed was a new president.”
