At ICEPACT availability, DHS secretary defends enforcement actions and cites expanded detention capacity
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Summary
In a press availability after ICEPACT leaders signed a joint statement, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the administration’s legal action against California, cited expanded detention bed capacity and said some detainees are being returned voluntarily to their home countries.
During a post-signing press availability, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem addressed questions about federal enforcement and immigration policy.
Reporters asked how the administration balances protecting federal agents with local policies after the administration filed suit against California over a state law limiting federal arrest powers. A reporter said the FBI had reported an increase in kidnappings and assaults of residents and asked how the administration planned to protect agents and local residents.
Noem characterized the situation as dangerous for law enforcement and said the administration has pursued legal action against California to preserve federal authority. "I expect that we will win," she said in response to the question about the lawsuit. She added that the federal government has invested in additional border-security capabilities and stated officials are increasing detention capacity while also returning more people to their home countries.
She described voluntary return as an option for some detainees, saying that people in detention centers can choose to go home voluntarily. The press exchange also included questions about maritime security and whether Arctic strategy addresses threats such as drug-boat activity; officials said coast guard assets have been deployed to protect U.S. Arctic waters and to escort foreign vessels when needed.
The availability mixed questions about the ICEPACT industrial and security agenda with broader enforcement questions. Secretary Noem emphasized operational responses and legal remedies; she provided no new rulemaking or changes to statutory authorities during the session.