Noem says ICE to stay in Minnesota until all 'dangerous people are picked up', no fixed deadline

WASHINGTON, DC: Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Sunday, January 18, said that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will stay in Minnesota until all "dangerous people" are caught and deported.

Speaking on CBS News' 'Face the Nation', Noem explained that there is no set date for the mission to end because the goal is to keep the public safe from criminals.

Kristi Noem says no end date, number for Minnesota ICE operation 

Secretary Noem made it clear that federal operations in Minnesota do not have a "number or a date" for when they will finish. 

She told CBS News, "Every day we get a murderer off the streets of Minneapolis, the public is safer."

Noem further added, "We won't stop until we are sure that all the dangerous people are picked up, brought to justice, and then deported."

The DHS secretary argued that the current situation is the fault of former President Joe Biden, claiming his policies allowed many unvetted people into the country.

She insisted that those being targeted are serious criminals, stating, "Every single individual has committed a crime," and "70% of them have committed or have charges against them on violent crimes." 

When the interviewer pointed out that official records showed lower numbers, Noem pushed back, saying, “You’re wrong again[...] We’ll get you the correct numbers so you can use them in the future.”

Kristi Noem defends ICE agent shooting Renee Nicole Good

The interview turned to the death of Renee Nicole Good, who was fatally shot by an ICE agent during an operation. 

Noem described the event as a case of an officer protecting himself, saying, "The facts are that this individual weaponized her car and threatened the life of a law enforcement officer and those around him."

She told viewers that "Everybody can watch the videos and see that" for themselves. While she called the death "a tragedy," she maintained that the agent "relied on his training to defend his life and to defend those around him."

Noem claimed that officers are facing more danger than ever, stating that "We’re seeing it happen over and over again," with "over 100 different vehicles weaponized and attacking law enforcement officers." 

She confirmed that the shooting is being looked into, but noted, "We followed the exact same protocols that we always have for years," and added that "there always is" a review after such incidents.

Kritis Noem slams Tim Walz and Jacob Frey

Noem was very critical of Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey, accusing them of failing to maintain order.

She claimed Governor Walz has a "very bad track record" and said he allowed Minneapolis to "burn down in 2020" during major riots. 

The DHS secretary complained that Minneapolis has "organized, funded protesters" who are more violent than people in other states where ICE is working.

She called on local officials to help the federal agents, saying, “I would hope that Mayor Jacob Frey will announce that he’ll start working with us to bring safety to the streets.”

Noem suggested the city should create specific areas for people to gather, saying, "If he would set up a peaceful protest zone, so that these individuals can exercise their First Amendment rights and do so peacefully, we would love that."