U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Monday criticized the media and politicians, including Gov. JB Pritzker, for “trying to demonize” federal immigration agents and the Trump administration’s enforcement operations, and she urged citizens to thank law enforcement officers and “cook a meal for their families.”
Noem, speaking in Florida, defended the ramped-up actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Border Patrol and other federal agents under the direction of President Donald Trump and said “we have to stop the rhetoric,” which she contended gave cover to allow people to “perpetuate violence against those who enforce our laws.”
During her comments, Noem recited several administration talking points without providing any evidence to back up the claims