Kristi Noem Under Fire: Immigration Policies in the Spotlight

Kristi Noem, the Homeland Security Secretary, is set to face tough questions from Democrats during a House hearing. Her department is at the heart of President Donald Trump's strict immigration policies. This is Noem's first appearance before Congress since May. Since then, immigration enforcement, especially in cities like Los Angeles and Chicago, has become more controversial. Federal agents and activists often disagree over her department's methods. The hearing is about global threats to the U. S. In the past, these hearings have covered topics like cybersecurity, terrorism, China, and border security. But with Noem leading Trump's key policy area, the focus will likely be on immigration. Trump won re-election in January, promising to change U. S. immigration policies. He claims the country is under invasion. Since then, more people are in immigration detention. The administration continues to send migrants back to countries they are not from. After an Afghan national was accused of shooting two National Guard troops, Noem's department has increased checks and screenings of immigrants. The hearing is also a chance for Congress to ask leaders from the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, and the National Counterterrorism Center about threats to the U. S. and their plans to address them. Noem's department is under scrutiny because Congress gave it $165 billion to carry out its mass deportation agenda and secure the border. This money will hire more deportation officers, complete the U. S. -Mexico border wall, and increase the removal of foreigners. Noem might also have to answer questions about a federal judge investigating whether she should face a contempt charge over flights carrying migrants to El Salvador. Democrats criticize immigration enforcement agents for mistakenly detaining and arresting American citizens. Homeland Security says agents do not target American citizens for immigration reasons. However, they have arrested Americans for allegedly interfering in enforcement operations. Several Democratic committee members are part of a lawsuit accusing Noem and her department of limiting their access to Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facilities. Also attending the hearing are Joseph Kent, the director of the National Counterterrorism Center, and Michael Glasheen, operations director of the national security branch of the FBI. Previous hearings have included questions on cybersecurity, China, chemical security, and drones. Under President Joe Biden, Republicans often focused on his administration's handling of border security during times of heavy migration.