Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is set to face rigorous questioning from Democratic lawmakers during a hearing on immigration policies. This event, scheduled for Thursday, September 28, 2023, is part of the House Committee on Homeland Security’s examination of “Worldwide Threats to the Homeland.” Noem’s appearance comes after months of escalating tensions surrounding immigration enforcement, particularly in major cities like Los Angeles and Chicago.
Noem’s last congressional appearance was in May, and since then, the situation regarding immigration enforcement has intensified. Federal agents have clashed with activists over the department’s tactics, raising concerns about civil liberties and the treatment of migrants. Under Noem’s leadership, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has pursued a hard-line approach, aligning closely with former President Donald Trump‘s agenda of mass deportations.
The hearing provides an opportunity for Congress to question DHS leadership on various threats, including cybersecurity and terrorism. However, it is expected to focus primarily on immigration, given the current political climate. Since Trump’s return to power in January, there has been a significant increase in the number of individuals detained for immigration violations, and the administration has faced criticism for transporting migrants back to countries they do not originate from.
In July, Congress allocated approximately $165 billion to the DHS, enabling it to expand its deportation efforts. This funding supports the hiring of an additional 10,000 deportation officers and includes provisions to complete the border wall between the U.S. and Mexico. Noem’s testimony comes amidst a backdrop of heightened scrutiny, particularly following an incident involving an Afghan national accused of shooting two National Guard troops, leading to more stringent checks on immigrants.
Democratic lawmakers are likely to challenge Noem on accusations that immigration enforcement agents are mistakenly detaining American citizens. DHS maintains that its operations do not target U.S. citizens but acknowledges a few arrests related to interference in enforcement actions. Several committee members are involved in a lawsuit against Noem and the DHS, arguing that access to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities has been improperly limited.
In addition to Noem, the hearing will feature Joseph Kent, the director of the National Counterterrorism Center, and Michael Glasheen, operations director of the national security branch of the FBI. Initially, FBI Director Kash Patel was expected to appear, but Glasheen will represent the agency instead.
Previous hearings have addressed a range of topics, including cybersecurity and chemical security, with Republican members often criticizing the Biden administration’s handling of border security. The upcoming session promises to delve deeply into the contentious landscape of U.S. immigration policy under Noem’s leadership, a critical issue as the nation grapples with various societal and political challenges.
