Washington, Dec 12 (NationPress) The Trump administration on Thursday provided a robust defense of its immigration enforcement strategies, clearly differentiating between legal and illegal migration while cautioning that weaknesses at the border present direct national security threats.

During a heated session of the House Homeland Security Committee, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem informed lawmakers that the Trump administration is “putting an end to illegal immigration, restoring order to our immigration system” and delivering a clear warning to criminals. “We have communicated a strong message to criminal illegal aliens that we will locate you, apprehend you, and deport you,” she stated.

Noem asserted that enforcement actions have already yielded results, claiming that “illegal border crossings have declined to their lowest levels in decades” and “nationwide border encounters have decreased by nearly 80 percent” compared to the prior year.

Simultaneously, National Counterterrorism Center Director Joseph Kent cautioned that gaps in vetting during the previous administration have led to significant security vulnerabilities. “The primary threat we face right now is the uncertainty regarding who has entered our country during the last four years of Biden’s lax border policies,” Kent remarked.

Kent revealed that authorities have recognized “approximately 18,000 known and suspected terrorists who were allowed entry under the Biden administration,” noting that many would “never have been permitted to enter our nation due to their connections with terrorist organizations like ISIS and al-Qaida.”

He highlighted cases involving Afghan nationals admitted under Operation Allies Welcome, referencing a recent incident in Washington. “That Afghan was part of a group of over 100,000 individuals brought here during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan,” Kent explained, adding that “these individuals were not properly vetted.”

Noem shared these concerns, expressing that her greatest worry is “not knowing all the individuals currently in our country, who they are, and what their intentions might be.” She estimated that “between 15 to 20 million people entered under the Biden administration, and they were not vetted.”

The secretary stated that her department is focusing on removing violent offenders and those associated with organized crime. “Transnational organized crime syndicates, including Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel, New Generation Jalisco, and other drug cartels, create chaos and jeopardize American interests,” she noted.

However, Democratic lawmakers pushed back against the administration’s strategy, contending that enforcement actions are unjustly targeting individuals without criminal records, including U.S. citizens. Rep. Lou Correa pointed out cases involving long-term residents and veterans’ families, stating, “These individuals should not be deported.”

Noem refuted claims that the Department of Homeland Security was acting unlawfully. “The Department of Homeland Security and this administration adhere to all federal court orders. We always have and always will,” she affirmed, adding that the department would “continue to appeal” unfavorable rulings.

She also denied allegations that American citizens have been deported. “We have never detained or deported an American citizen,” Noem clarified, explaining that individuals might be briefly held “until we verify their identity and then they are released.”

Republican lawmakers defended the administration’s actions, asserting that enforcement is crucial for combating terrorism, drug trafficking, and cartel violence. Rep. Michael McCaul remarked that the nation is experiencing “the most secure border I’ve seen in my 22 years in Congress.”

This hearing highlighted the significant political rift surrounding immigration policy, with Republicans framing enforcement as vital for homeland security, while Democrats raised alarms about civil liberties infringements and humanitarian implications.

The Congressional hearing was held against a backdrop of broader security issues, including terrorism, cyber threats, and preparations for major upcoming events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, which DHS officials indicated would necessitate increased vigilance.