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The administration of Donald Trump defended its harsh immigration policy during a tense hearing in Congress, where Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, faced tough questioning from Democratic lawmakers and encountered protests inside and outside the room.
According to a report by Associated Press (AP), Noem justified the escalation of raids, deportations, and immigration restrictions, claiming that the United States faces “a real threat” due to the presence of foreigners without legal status.
"What keeps me awake at night is not knowing who is inside this country and what their intentions are," the official stated during the session of the House of Representatives' National Security Committee.
The hearing, focused on analyzing threats to national security, turned into a political confrontation between Republicans and Democrats.
Trump's allies praised Noem for "keeping the country safe," while the opposition accused her of abuse of power and human rights violations in the implementation of immigration policies.
Democratic Congressman Bennie Thompson from Mississippi criticized the use of vast public resources to pursue “an extreme agenda” and called for Noem's resignation.
"Do a true service to the country and resign," he demanded.
Protests repeatedly interrupted the session with shouts of “Shame on you!” directed at the secretary, who left the venue escorted after the initial part of the hearing held behind closed doors.
Since his return to power in January, Trump has made immigration one of the cornerstones of his new term, promising mass deportations, an expansion of the border wall with Mexico, and a significant increase in immigration enforcement personnel.
AP highlighted that under the new administration, the number of detainees in immigration centers has surged, and deportations include cases of individuals sent to countries where they were not born.
The White House asserts that the measures aim to "protect the country's security" and "restore border legality."
During the hearing, the Democrats also questioned the recent case of Kilmar Abrego García, a migrant who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador, whose release was ordered by a federal judge while Noem was testifying before Congress.
The official, without referencing the case, reiterated that "the United States is restoring orderly migration and ending years of border neglect."
The Committee concluded the session without any concrete resolutions, but with new political divisions regarding the scope and legality of the immigration measures proposed by the government.
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