The deportation efforts have been underway for weeks now. But someone is leaking sensitive intel.
And a Trump admin official has made a jaw-dropping announcement about the immigration raids.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem Blames FBI for Leaking Plans of Immigration Raid in Los Angeles
In a surprising development on Sunday, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem appeared to accuse the FBI of leaking plans for a major Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation set to take place in the Los Angeles area. This operation, which was reportedly slated for completion by the end of February, was set to target criminal illegal migrants and individuals living unlawfully in the U.S. However, the plans were obtained by the Los Angeles Times, raising questions about the security of such operations and prompting Noem’s strong response.
Noem took to social media to voice her frustrations, suggesting that “corrupt” FBI agents were behind the leak of sensitive information about the planned ICE raid. In her post on X (formerly known as Twitter), she wrote, “The FBI is so corrupt. We will work with any and every agency to stop leaks and prosecute these crooked deep state agents to the fullest extent of the law.” Her statement comes amid growing concerns that the leak would allow the targeted individuals to evade capture.
The leaked document provided an internal government outline of the operation, which was to be conducted in coordination with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) local offices and the FBI. According to sources speaking to the Los Angeles Times, FBI agents were expected to participate in the raid, assisting in providing additional personnel to bolster the operation.
The FBI is so corrupt. We will work with any and every agency to stop leaks and prosecute these crooked deep state agents to the fullest extent of the law. https://t.co/HNW1ujf0Gd
— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) February 9, 2025
Los Angeles, a sanctuary city, has policies that limit local law enforcement’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities, making it harder for ICE to apprehend individuals residing in the U.S. illegally, particularly criminal non-citizens. As a result, the city presents a unique challenge for immigration enforcement, which only intensified with the leaked raid plans.
This accusation against the FBI follows a pattern seen during previous administrations, with Noem drawing comparisons to other media leaks that have hindered immigration enforcement. Under the Trump administration, such leaks were a frequent issue, causing concerns that individuals would have time to evade arrest once details of ICE raids became public. The administration frequently argued that these leaks undermined law enforcement efforts and endangered national security.
Federal Agents Worried About Further Leaks Putting Them In Danger
The controversy surrounding media leaks and their impact on immigration enforcement operations was further highlighted this week when ICE agents conducted a raid in the Denver metro area. The operation targeted the Tren De Aragua gang, a criminal organization based in Venezuela that has had a significant presence in the region. Although the operation was expected to apprehend up to 100 illegal migrants and other individuals living unlawfully in the U.S., it ultimately fell short of expectations.
Tom Homan, former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, expressed his concerns about the impact of leaks on the success of such operations. “Op secs (operation security) is important,” Homan said in an interview. “That’s why when we go on these operations and the operations got leaked somehow, it makes us less successful.”
Homan went on to elaborate on the dangers of such leaks, stating that when the details of an operation are made public, it results in fewer arrests and allows dangerous criminals to remain on the streets. “When you leak an operation that means more bad guys are not being arrested, which means more bad guys are walking the streets,” Homan added.
In response to these ongoing issues, Homan suggested that the practice of media ride-alongs during operations could come to an end. He acknowledged that while transparency with the American people was important, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of law enforcement agents had to be prioritized. “We’ve invited numerous media outlets along, but right now it’s all about Op-Sec, operation security,” he stated. “So, we may have to stop the media ride-alongs, because I’m not pointing the finger at them, but the less people that know about these operations, the safer this for our agents.”
An investigation in July further exemplified the risks of leaks and the consequences of evading immigration enforcement. The Daily Caller News Foundation was on the ground in Baltimore when ICE agents apprehended an illegal migrant with a long criminal record, including charges related to kidnapping, assault, and s*x offenses. Despite being sentenced to 30 years in prison, this individual had managed to avoid deportation due to the suspension of nearly his entire sentence by a local court. Such cases just go to show the challenges faced by immigration enforcement agents, particularly in cities with policies that hinder cooperation with federal authorities.
The Trump administration made a commitment to carry out what was promised to be the largest deportation operation in U.S. history, and its record shows a marked increase in arrests and deportations during the early weeks of Trump’s presidency. Under President Biden, however, the situation became more complex.
After taking office, the Biden administration oversaw approximately 8.5 million migrant encounters at the southern border, leading to record levels of illegal immigration. During this period, Border Patrol agents and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers encountered nearly 120,000 criminal non-citizens, according to CBP data.
Border Czar UNLOADS On Leaks Of ICE Raids
Tom Homan: "we're not going to tolerate it anymore. This is not a game…. To have this type of interference puts our officers at great risk." pic.twitter.com/zL0E87qF16
— Mr Producer (@RichSementa) February 6, 2025
Stay tuned to the DC Daily Journal.
