Homeland Security Secretary Noem Vows Aggressive Action to Protect Americans Amid Rising Crime
NEW YORK, N.Y. — Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem declared Thursday that the Trump administration is “on offense,” employing “every single tool that we have to protect the American people.” Speaking at a press conference in New York City, Noem highlighted the results of Operation Salvo, a coordinated law enforcement effort launched after an off-duty U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent was attacked in July 2025.
The investigation uncovered that the suspects behind the assault were connected to the notorious Trinitarios gang, a violent transnational criminal organization operating in New York. Noem criticized sanctuary city policies, which she said had shielded these individuals until federal authorities intervened. “Sanctuary policies, whether they’re here in New York City, California, Illinois, or Minneapolis, if you are a criminal illegal alien, we are coming to get you,” she asserted.
Operation Salvo, which involved collaboration between U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement components such as Homeland Security Investigations and Enforcement and Removal Operations, as well as federal prosecutors from the Southern District of New York and the New York County District Attorney’s Office, has resulted in 54 arrests to date. The operation targets not only transnational criminal organizations but also illegal criminal aliens across the country.
Noem emphasized the administration’s commitment to law enforcement officers and American citizens alike. “If you lay a finger on one of our officers, we will catch you, we will prosecute you, and you will feel the full extent of the law,” she said. The secretary’s remarks come amid heightened tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and sanctuary city policies.
The two suspects charged in connection with the attack on the off-duty CBP officer, Cristihan Ayba Berroa and Miguel Francisco Mora-Nunez, both illegal immigrants, were indicted on attempted murder charges. The incident underscored the administration’s resolve to crack down on violent crime linked to immigration violations.
Secretary Noem’s statements align with the broader priorities outlined by the Department of Homeland Security, which has increasingly focused on combating transnational criminal networks and enhancing public safety. The operation and Noem’s remarks signal a sustained federal effort to dismantle criminal enterprises and enforce immigration laws more rigorously.
Critics of sanctuary policies argue that such protections hinder law enforcement’s ability to apprehend dangerous individuals, while supporters maintain they foster community trust and public safety. Noem’s comments reflect the administration’s position that sanctuary policies impede justice and endanger citizens.
As Operation Salvo continues, federal authorities remain vigilant in their pursuit of criminal elements operating within sanctuary jurisdictions. The administration’s message is clear: no sanctuary for those who threaten the safety of Americans or law enforcement personnel.
For more information on the ongoing efforts and policies, visit the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection newsroom.
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