In Bradenton stop, Homeland Security Secretary Noem touts ICE efforts

BRADENTON, Fla. — Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was in Sarasota and Bradenton on Monday, highlighting the work of ICE and homeland officials in getting what she said are hardened criminals off the streets.

Noem said Monday marks nine months since President Donald Trump took office, and since then more than 480,000 undocumented immigrants have been arrested.

She also reaffirmed support for Florida’s deportation facilities, including “Alligator Alcatraz” and “Deportation Depot.”

“It’s been fantastic to see the partnerships that we’ve had here in Florida, in this community and throughout the entire state,” Noem said.

The secretary stood in front of a table full of firearms and narcotics and addressed violence against ICE agents, saying that it won’t be tolerated.

“That is one of the reasons we are here today to focus on what this office has done — our officers — the criminals that they’ve taken off streets here in this city out of our communities,” she said.

Noem was asked about recent reports that she had spent $200 million of taxpayer money on two private jets. Noem said they are for the Coast Guard to replace 25-year-old aircrafts.

A few days ago, a member of the House Appropriations Committee wrote a letter to Noem, claiming she didn’t have the protocol to obtain those jets.