The Trump admin is sending out a clear signal. Do not get in their way.
That much was made clear when a Trump official dropped this huge news in a Fox News interview.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem Gives Big Update On ICE Raids Leakers
In a recent appearance on Fox News, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem revealed that her agency has identified some of the individuals responsible for leaking internal information. The leaks, which have sparked concern over the safety of law enforcement officers, are part of an ongoing investigation into breaches of confidentiality within DHS.
Noem’s comments on Monday evening followed an earlier incident on February 10, when she publicly speculated that “corrupt” FBI agents might have been behind a leaked memo detailing a planned Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid in the Los Angeles area. The memo, which was obtained by the Los Angeles Times, referred to a “large-scale” operation targeting undocumented immigrants in the region. The leak drew immediate attention, with concerns that it could jeopardize the success of the operation and endanger the lives of law enforcement officers involved.
In response to the leak, Noem told Sean Hannity on his show that “some” of the leakers had already been identified, though she did not provide specifics on which agency they worked for or how many individuals were involved. “I have found some leakers. We are continuing to get more. They will be fired. There will be consequences,” Noem said, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. “When they leak information to the press in order to blow an op, they are putting law enforcement lives in jeopardy.”
Noem further highlighted the severe risks posed by such leaks, stressing the dangerous implications for law enforcement families. “They are risking their lives and putting their families in the position where they have to live without those individuals any further,” she explained.
The DHS secretary went on to explain the tactics her agency is using to investigate the leaks, including polygraphs and a review of communications. “We have used every tactic that we have. If you remember, we talked just last week about how I’m using polygraphs to go after and to really interview these folks because we are a national security agency,” Noem stated. “I have that tool I can use. Also looking at their emails, looking at their communications.”
Noem did not hold back when describing the motivations behind the leaks, suggesting that some bureaucrats within the agency were undermining the administration’s efforts to safeguard the country. “It’s amazing how these bureaucrats who have an agenda to stop the work that we’re doing to bring safety to America, how they will sell each other down the river if it’s just to protect themselves,” she said. “So don’t worry. I am doing everything to find these leakers and to get rid of them so that we can do our work and our law enforcement officers and agents can do it safely.”
The incident comes as the Trump administration has rolled back several Biden-Harris administration policies related to immigration. These changes have allowed ICE to conduct more aggressive arrests of “criminal aliens,” including those convicted of serious crimes such as rape and murder. This shift has sparked protests, particularly in sanctuary cities like Los Angeles, which have condemned the increased deportations and operations like the one that was leaked.
Despite these tensions, ICE has continued its efforts nationwide. A February 7 report in the Los Angeles Times detailed a memo from federal law enforcement officials about a planned large-scale ICE raid in the Los Angeles area, scheduled to take place before the end of February. The leak of this memo raised concerns about the safety of officers involved and prompted Hannity to ask Noem whether such leaks were “a crime.”
In her response, Noem was unequivocal: “Absolutely. When they are breaking the law, we are prosecuting and holding them accountable to it,” she affirmed. “We’re not here to play games. This is about America. Any law enforcement officer that serves and partners not only with the Department of Homeland Security, but partners with us, listen, we respect you.”
Noem’s commitment to protecting law enforcement personnel was evident in her further remarks, as she promised to stand by those serving in the field. “We honor the work that you do. We will take care of your family. We will take care of you. And we’ll go after those that threaten your lives by leaking this type of information,” she said.
Following the leaks, both Noem and Tom Homan, Trump’s border czar who echoed her concerns, emphasized that efforts were underway to identify and hold accountable those responsible. The use of polygraph tests, which Noem had referenced, is part of this broader strategy to root out the individuals behind the leaks. Bloomberg has also reported that the DHS is actively pursuing all leads to identify further breaches.
As of now, the DHS has not provided additional details on the number of individuals identified or which agencies they may belong to. However, Secretary Noem’s remarks make it clear that the investigation into the leaks is ongoing, and that those responsible will face serious consequences.
The tension surrounding federal immigration enforcement is high under the Trump administration, particularly as policy changes have heightened the stakes for ICE operations. The leaks have only added to the controversy, highlighting the internal divisions that exist within law enforcement agencies regarding the handling of immigration enforcement.
The Federalist Wire will keep you updated on any major developments and updates that come from the DHS and the Trump administration.
