Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited San Diego on Thursday to highlight drug seizure efforts by the Trump administration, stating a 56% decrease in fentanyl smuggled across the U.S.-Mexico border. The visit occurred as the U.S. Senate failed to pass a DHS funding bill, with Democrats seeking stricter restrictions on ICE operations.
Border Security and Drug Interdiction
Noem held a news conference at the Otay Mesa commercial port of entry, where she toured a vault containing 188,218 pounds of illicit drugs seized by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in the San Diego area. This included 100,000 pounds of methamphetamine, 59,000 pounds of cocaine, and 7,400 pounds of fentanyl. According to Noem, the seized drugs represent “1.7 billion lives that are saved.”
Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner of CBP’s Office of Field Operations, Diane J. Sabatino, stated, “We’re winning the fight against fentanyl.” U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks credited the Trump administration’s policies with allowing officers to focus on narcotics interdiction, noting a 92% plummet in migrant encounters in the San Diego sector in fiscal 2025 compared to 2024.
Political and Community Response
Noem’s visit was met with protests, as dozens chanted outside the news conference condemning U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. Escondido resident Vanessa Reyes, an immigrant, expressed her support for those unable to advocate for themselves, stating she felt a duty to support those who had previously defended her rights.
Calls for Noem’s impeachment have emerged from Democratic leaders and organizations following the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good during an immigration operation in Minneapolis. Labor leaders and immigrant rights activists also gathered in San Diego to urge congressional representatives to halt funding for DHS and demand greater accountability in immigration enforcement.
Noem called on California Governor Gavin Newsom to honor detainers lodged by ICE on over 33,000 undocumented immigrants in California prisons and jails. While the California Values Act (SB 54) restricts cooperation with federal immigration officials, it allows for notification of release dates and transfer of individuals convicted of certain crimes. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office reiterated that its work does not violate the California Values Act, focusing instead on cross-national criminal organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Homeland Security Secretary Noem highlight during her visit?
Homeland Security Secretary Noem highlighted drug seizure efforts, specifically a reported decrease in fentanyl smuggling, and credited the Trump administration’s policies for increased border security.
What was the response to Noem’s visit?
Noem’s visit prompted protests from those concerned about immigration policies, and also drew criticism from Democratic leaders calling for her impeachment.
What is the status of DHS funding?
The U.S. Senate failed to pass a bill to fund DHS, as Democrats are seeking stricter restrictions on ICE operations.
Given the ongoing debate surrounding immigration enforcement and funding, what steps might be taken to address the concerns raised by both sides of the issue?
