Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is actively participating in deportation operations mandated by President Donald Trump.
On Tuesday morning, Noem spearheaded a pre-dawn mission in Arizona’s capital, where approximately 100 federal agents apprehended three undocumented migrants on various charges, including weapons and drug-related offenses, as well as involvement in a money laundering operation.
The New York Post reported from the scene, where Noem skillfully avoided a kick from a suspect in slip-on shoes, humorously remarking, “You’re not intimidating me with your Croc.”
The operation, conducted by a multi-agency task force led by Phoenix Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, was bolstered by a coalition of federal law enforcement and immigration agencies. They apprehended three undocumented felons with extensive criminal histories, according to The Post. Clad in full tactical gear, including a flak jacket and her distinctive two-tone gold Rolex, Noem met with agents from ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, and the Drug Enforcement Administration in a dimly lit underground parking facility. She greeted the officers, expressed her gratitude for their dedication, and committed to securing the necessary resources to enhance their operations.
“The level of collaboration among agencies is being significantly intensified. This effort is expanding rapidly across the nation, ensuring that anyone in this country illegally who is committing crimes and violating our laws will face repercussions,” Noem stated to The Post.
“We will be apprehending them more swiftly than ever before,” she added.
Prior to the operation, agents received a comprehensive briefing on the day’s targets, after which a convoy of twelve vehicles departed, with Noem driving a BearCat armored SWAT vehicle.
Accompanying Noem was Corey Lewandowski, former Trump campaign manager and senior adviser, who introduced himself to federal agents as “chief of staff.” A DHS official later clarified that Lewandowski serves as an adviser to the department and holds a specific status.The first individual apprehended that day was Bonifacio Renteria-Cruz, an undocumented immigrant from Mexico, who is reportedly linked to the Sinaloa Cartel, as stated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). His criminal history is extensive, featuring convictions for aggravated assault and weapons-related offenses, along with an active arrest warrant in Mexico for homicide. According to The Post, Renteria-Cruz had been ordered to leave the country by an immigration judge in 2008.
Following him on the task force’s agenda was Jose Escobar-Robles, another undocumented immigrant believed to be involved in the operation of Monroy Enterprises—a money service business allegedly utilized to transfer illegal funds to Mexico in support of cartels engaged in drug trafficking and human smuggling. After being handcuffed and placed in a police vehicle, Escobar-Robles attempted to conceal his face from cameras by raising a Croc shoe, while urging the agents, “Let’s go, let’s go.” Unfazed, Noem calmly inquired if he had any family during the arrest.
“You’re going to go home, and you will face prosecution,” Noem stated, adding, “Your Croc doesn’t intimidate me.”
The last suspect taken into custody during the operations was Luis Garcia-Sanchez, who is reportedly associated with the infamous 18th Street Gang. The DHS indicated that he was wanted on felony drug charges dating back to 1987 and had been ordered removed from the United States on two occasions.
When agents arrived with the warrant, Garcia-Sanchez was found barefoot and surrounded by a strong smell of marijuana. His wife brought him his shoes before officers placed him in a police vehicle. As he was escorted away in handcuffs, the 61-year-old told The Post that he no longer had ties to the Los Angeles-based gang and highlighted his role as a grandfather.
From the back of the squad car, he expressed some regret to Noem, stating that he has three children and did not wish for them to follow in his footsteps into a gang lifestyle.
The DHS chief replied, “You need to face the consequences of your actions here. Set an example for them.”
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