Washington, March 5 (NationPress) - During a tense congressional hearing, US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was rigorously questioned by Democratic lawmakers as she staunchly defended the administration's comprehensive immigration enforcement and border policies amidst significant criticism.

This hearing underscored the profound political rift in Washington concerning immigration enforcement, civil liberties, and border security. Noem consistently justified the administration's strategies as essential for safeguarding the United States. "The Department of Homeland Security was formed in response to the 9/11 attacks. Its primary purpose is to protect our homeland," Noem asserted to the committee, emphasizing that the administration has notably intensified immigration enforcement and reversed the policies of the previous administration.

"For ten consecutive months, Border Patrol has not released any illegal aliens into our nation," Noem stated.

She explained that a combination of enforcement actions and public messaging encouraging migrants to depart voluntarily has led to millions leaving the country. "In President Trump's first historic year back in office, over three million illegal aliens exited our nation," she noted.

Noem also claimed that enhanced immigration enforcement has contributed to a decline in drug trafficking and security threats. "Fentanyl trafficking across the southern border has decreased by 56 percent due to President Trump," she added, noting that authorities have apprehended "over 1,500 known or suspected terrorists" and more than "7,700 gang members."

Republican lawmakers generally commended Noem’s performance, arguing that stricter enforcement has reinstated order at the US southern border. Committee Chairman Jim Jordan criticized previous administration policies, claiming millions of migrants entered the country illegally. "Eight to ten million people entered our country illegally within four years," Jordan stated.

Republicans also voiced concerns about so-called "sanctuary jurisdictions"—cities or states that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Conversely, Democrats vehemently questioned Noem regarding civil liberties issues, including accusations of excessive force by federal immigration agents and detentions of US citizens during enforcement operations. Ranking Member Jamie Raskin accused the department of misrepresenting incidents involving federal agents in Minneapolis that resulted in civilian fatalities. "You labeled them as domestic terrorists at that time. Why did you do that?" Raskin inquired, referencing Noem's statements following the incidents.

Noem responded that investigations into these cases are still ongoing and refrained from offering further comments. "There are ongoing investigations," she stated.

Several Democratic lawmakers expressed concerns about potential constitutional violations during immigration enforcement actions, including the arrest of American citizens during protests or monitoring of enforcement activities. Indian American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal asserted that the department's actions risk undermining civil liberties. "You have effectively turned the United States government against its own residents," she claimed.

Noem refuted the allegation, stating that immigration officers adhere to established legal protocols and conduct targeted operations. "All of our law enforcement officers undergo extensive training," she explained.

In addition to immigration enforcement, lawmakers probed Noem regarding DHS spending, internal management, and disaster response operations, including delays in federal disaster aid and a $220 million advertising campaign promoting immigration enforcement policies. The secretary defended the department's performance, asserting that its agencies prioritize the protection of American citizens and national security. "We ensure that we enforce the law and safeguard our homeland," Noem concluded.