Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem Highlights ICE Operations and Florida Partnerships During Bradenton Visit
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited Bradenton on Monday morning to discuss ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations and partnerships with Florida law enforcement agencies.
According to Noem, since January, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has arrested more than 480,000 individuals identified as criminal illegal immigrants and seized a significant number of illegal firearms and narcotics. She noted that roughly 70 percent of those arrested have either been charged with or convicted of criminal offenses.
During her remarks, Noem detailed several recent arrests in Florida, including individuals previously deported and later re-entering the country. Among those cited were a convicted murderer from Cuba, a convicted child sex offender from El Salvador, and others from Mexico and Honduras with prior criminal histories involving burglary, drug possession, domestic violence, and other offenses.
Noem emphasized that the agency’s operations are focused on what she described as “the worst of the worst,” targeting individuals with criminal backgrounds who have re-entered the United States illegally. She said these efforts aim to protect communities and prevent repeat offenses by ensuring offenders are prosecuted and, when possible, deported following their sentences.
The Secretary also highlighted the close working relationship between the Department of Homeland Security and law enforcement agencies across Florida. She said the state leads the nation in agreements under Section 287(g), which allows state and local law enforcement to assist federal immigration authorities. Noem credited this collaboration with improving public safety and helping to identify and remove individuals who pose threats to communities.
In addition, Noem referenced partnerships with programs such as Alligator Alcatraz and Deportation Depot, which support DHS detention and deportation logistics. She said these initiatives provide cost-effective solutions for housing individuals awaiting removal proceedings and ensure adequate detention capacity.
Noem also discussed a voluntary self-deportation initiative that offers $1,000 and a plane ticket for individuals willing to return to their home countries and re-enter the United States legally in the future. She clarified that the offer does not apply to those with criminal convictions, who will first serve their sentences before being deported.
The Bradenton appearance was part of a broader effort by the Department of Homeland Security to highlight enforcement operations and strengthen cooperation with local and state law enforcement agencies nationwide.
