U.S. News
Kristi Noem Calls Out Media Over Legal Immigrant Question

Clear Facts
- Kristi Noem criticized the media for creating unnecessary fear among legal immigrants about deportation.
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the Trump administration made a record number of arrests, significantly higher than during the Biden-Harris administration.
- Public support for deporting illegal immigrants has increased, with a majority of Americans in favor of such policies.
In a recent appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem took a firm stance against what she perceives as fearmongering by corporate media. She accused outlets of instilling unnecessary fear in legal immigrants about the possibility of wrongful detention.
Noem’s comments came in response to a question from NBC’s Kristen Welker, who inquired if legal migrants should be worried about being “wrongfully detained.” Welker mentioned that some individuals have expressed concerns and are carrying their documents with them.
Noem responded, “I would say that if I’ve heard that expressed by people that are legal citizens of the United States, it’s because the media has perpetuated that fear. The media has said that that’s a possibility.”
Under President Trump’s administration, there has been a significant increase in immigration enforcement actions. Just six days into his presidency, ICE agents conducted their largest arrest operation, with 956 arrests in a single day. This figure starkly contrasts with the Biden-Harris administration’s average of 310 daily arrests in fiscal year 2024.
Noem emphasized that the American public largely supports the Trump administration’s immigration policies. She noted that citizens are relieved to have a leader who prioritizes their safety and adheres to federal law.
“The citizens of the United States are confident that finally, after four long years of having a president in the White House that ignored federal law and endangered their communities, that there’s a different man in charge now,” Noem stated. “These citizens that live here are thrilled.”
She further illustrated her point by recounting her experiences in various cities, where she witnessed people expressing gratitude towards law enforcement officers for their efforts in removing dangerous criminals.
“In fact, when I was in New York City earlier this week and in several cities since then, the people walking by us on the streets were thanking our officers,” Noem shared. “They were thanking these investigators and those that were taking these dangerous criminals out for being there.”
The topic of immigration has remained a top concern for voters, particularly in light of the record-high illegal migrant encounters during the previous administration. Recent polling data reflects a growing public support for deportation policies.
A September 2024 poll found that 54% of Americans supported mass deportations. More recently, another poll revealed that 66% of Americans are in favor of deporting illegal immigrants, with overwhelming support from Republicans and significant backing from Independents.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Martha Range
February 3, 2025 at 6:31 am
I agree with mass deportations of illegals from the United States. The faster they are gone, the better.
Beverly Soltwedel
February 3, 2025 at 9:09 am
I totally agree that this mass deportation is so necessary. No one should be allowed in our country illegally. Don’t come here-unless you have legal paperwork. It is crazy how these illegals have destroyed our country. Get them out. Oh and if the Dumocrats don’t like it round there sorry buts up and send them out of our country too. We do not need there stupidity
MikefromTexas
February 3, 2025 at 12:03 pm
You guys said it all but I’ll agree with ya. Less to feed, cloth and putting the, in hotels. Also health care.
Stephen Lenker
February 3, 2025 at 12:39 pm
I totally agree with the mass deportation, you’re a criminal. If you cross that border illegally, I don’t care what you’ve done. If you crossed it illegally, you’re a criminal deport them all, if they refuse sky’s the limit, do what we gotta do to get rid of them
GGKathieB
February 4, 2025 at 6:26 pm
What’s the big deal about carrying your ID with you. I have them with me every time I’m out, and it’s really no imposition. You need them to enter a government building or to rent a car or motel room. I’m a 77 year old, white, great-grandmother and I have to show my ID under a lot of circumstances. I don’t believe that legal immigrants or citizens are really afraid. If they are, it’s because they’re being fed lies by the media and activists.