Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is making headlines for her active role in what’s being called the strongest U.S. border protection in recent history. Despite being new to the position, Noem is showing she’s not afraid to get directly involved in law enforcement operations.
On Tuesday morning, Noem joined around 100 federal agents in a large-scale immigration raid in Phoenix, Arizona. According to The New York Post, the operation included officers from ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the FBI, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Three Suspects Arrested in Successful Raid
The mission resulted in the arrest of three individuals accused of being in the United States illegally. They now face multiple charges, including drug trafficking, illegal weapons possession, and money laundering.
Kristi Noem often joins these types of raids to spotlight the critical work being done by U.S. law enforcement agencies. Her presence sends a message of support for federal agents and reinforces her firm stance on illegal immigration.
Bizarre Encounter with Detainee During Operation
During the raid, Noem had a surprising exchange with one of the suspects, identified as Jose Escobar-Robles. He was detained for allegedly funneling money to Mexican drug cartels involved in smuggling and human trafficking.
As Noem approached him in the back of a police vehicle, she asked, “Are you aware of the charges against you?”
After an unclear response, Noem informed him that he would face legal consequences. The situation turned odd when Escobar-Robles, while still handcuffed, attempted to kick Noem with limited effort — and while wearing crocs.
Unshaken, Noem dodged the attempt and responded sarcastically, “Oh, terrifying — especially with those crocs.”
This illegal was so mad he was getting arrested so he tried blocking us and hiding with his CROC.
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) April 8, 2025
DHS Secretary Noem: “You’re not scaring me with your crocs”
😂😂😂 https://t.co/OGe4eRvfQ7 pic.twitter.com/ooGR5uVyNt
Deportation and Law Enforcement Efforts Intensify
As the suspect continued to struggle, Noem asked if he had family nearby. Eventually, he stopped resisting and requested to be taken away.
“Let’s go,” he muttered.
To that, Noem replied, “We’re going. You’re heading home. And you’ll be prosecuted.”
In a post-operation interview with The New York Post, Noem praised the collaboration between federal agencies and confirmed that deportation efforts are ramping up significantly.
EXCLUSIVE: We’re riding along with @Sec_Noem on an ICE raid this AM in Phoenix.
— Jennie Taer 🎗️ (@JennieSTaer) April 8, 2025
Watch as she tells this illegal alien cartel money launderer trying to kick her with his croc that he’s done here. pic.twitter.com/XMF3GF8MQ1
Noem’s Message: Lawbreakers Will Face Consequences
“The coordination we’re seeing between agencies is reaching a new level,” Noem stated. “We’re scaling these operations nationwide. Anyone who is here illegally and committing crimes will be held accountable.”
She added, “We’re removing offenders faster than ever before.”
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