Kristi Noem accuses Biden of compromising US border security: 'Millions came in unvetted’

Noem's attack on Biden came during a news conference where she highlighted the DHS' focus on deporting violent offenders
PUBLISHED FEB 1, 2026
Noem blames Biden's policies for current security risks in the country while affirming that DHS is now working to remove dangerous criminals and restore safety to American cities (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Noem blames Biden's policies for current security risks in the country while affirming that DHS is now working to remove dangerous criminals and restore safety to American cities (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)


WASHINGTON, DC: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Saturday, January 31, strongly criticized Joe Biden and his administration’s immigration policies.

She claimed that millions of individuals entered the country without proper screening, creating a national security crisis.

Noem's comments came during a news conference at Miami International Airport, where she highlighted the department's focus on deporting violent offenders.

Kristi Noem blames Joe Biden's immigration policy

During the news conference, Secretary Noem addressed the current administration’s aggressive stance on immigration enforcement. 

She explained that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is focused on removing "dangerous criminals, murderers, and rap*sts, and d**g traffic*ers" to ensure that justice is served across the nation.

Noem then targeted Biden-era policies.

"I just want to remind you all -- the reason that we're in this situation with so many dangerous people in the country is because of the policies of the previous administration. Under Joe Biden's administration, millions of people came into the United States that were completely unvetted," she told reporters.

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JANUARY 31: U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem holds a news conference at Miami International Airport on January 31, 2026 in Miami, Florida. Secretary Noem discussed technology development and investment in the Transportation Security Administration and took questions on other topics. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem holds a news conference at Miami International Airport on January 31, 2026 in Miami, Florida. Secretary Noem discussed technology development and investment in the Transportation Security Administration and took questions on other topics (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Noem pledges to tackle security failures

Secretary Noem argued that the lack of thorough vetting under the prior administration created an environment where violent actors could thrive. 

She maintained that the current administration has successfully stabilized the border but must now deal with the security risks that remain inside the country.

"And we know for a fact that we have people that were t******sts, suspected t******sts -- dangerous criminals -- that came in and have been perpetuating violence on the American people. We're so grateful that the border is safe and secure, but now we need to make sure that we're bringing Americans that safety and security, as well," she added.

Trump credits Noem for ending ‘border disaster’

Earlier on Friday, January 30, President Donald Trump weighed in on the criticism Noem has faced recently after the Minneapolis shootings by federal agents, characterizing it as a targeted effort by "radical left lunatics."

In a late-night post on Truth Social, Trump claimed these attacks were based on gender and were an attempt to undermine her success in fixing the "border disaster" he says was inherited from the Biden administration.

"The Radical Left Lunatics, Insurrectionists, Agitators, and Thugs, are going after Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, because she is a woman," Trump wrote, adding that he believes she is being targeted because she "has done a really GREAT JOB!" 



Trump also claimed that violent crime has dropped to historic levels due to these policies. 

"The violent criminals that were allowed into our Country through Sleepy Joe’s 'sick' Open Border Policy, are largely gone, or being strongly sought for purposes of removal, and the Murder Rate in the USA just reached the lowest level in history, 125 years! Washington, DC, is now one of the safest cities in America -- Likewise, numerous other once very dangerous cities!" he wrote.

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