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SAN DIEGO () — Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited Southern California Thursday, speaking alongside U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials at the southern border in San Diego.
She stood behind millions of doses of fentanyl and celebrated drug seizure efforts at ports of entry.
“Today, the men and women of the Department of Homeland Security are on the front lines of the fight against the cartels and the drugs poisoning our country, and we are winning,” Noem said.
She was joined by Michael Banks, chief of the U.S. Border Patrol. Banks said changes under the Trump administration have allowed his officers to spend less time on processing and administrative work and more time patrolling.
“They can do more inspections, they can look for more narcotics, they can operate the equipment and technology that this administration has given them, and that’s why you’re seeing this massive increase,” Banks said.
Word of Noem’s visit traveled, sparking dozens of protesters to show up outside of the Otay Mesa facility where she spoke. Border officials blared their sirens, drowning out the sounds of chants calling for Noem’s resignation.
Her visit comes as a partial government shutdown looms. Democrats are demanding reforms within DHS after the shooting deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. They are, so far, refusing to support a package that would fund the department.
“We’re concerned about the Department of Homeland Security not being funded. In fact, I think it’s the wrong message to send to the world at this point in time,” Noem said. “Every other portion of the federal government has been funded except Homeland Security. That’s telling the rest of the world the Democrat Party doesn’t think that protecting America is safe.”
Immigrant communities have grown fearful amid increased immigration enforcement. 7 asked Noem how she is assessing and addressing the impact of her department’s operations.
“We welcome the opportunity to partner with community leaders. If they feel that in their city or in their community that the individuals who live there, the citizens, could be better served by a partnership with us, we would love that,” Noem said.
There were times during the press conference when Noem had to ask reporters to repeat their questions because the noise was so loud.
When asked about the protests during her visit, Noem said they were exercising their First Amendment rights, which she welcomes.
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