Department of Homeland Security Reports on Illegal Immigration
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has pinpointed the primary foreign nations whose citizens have entered the United States illegally, stating that most of these arrivals took place from February 2021 to January 2025.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data, Nicaragua, Cuba, Haiti, and Honduras account for the largest groups of undocumented residents in the U.S. The DHS indicated on social media that during President Biden’s tenure, 8% of Nicaragua’s population entered the U.S. illegally, along with 7% from Cuba, 6% from Haiti, and 5% from Honduras.
The overall number of undocumented immigrants from various countries is in the millions. DHS has criticized the Biden administration, suggesting it’s transforming the U.S. into a “dumping ground for criminals from the Third World.”
Noem Calls Out Funding Blockages
Kirsti Noem, the DHS Secretary, has consistently highlighted this criticism, especially as the Trump administration pursues ongoing deportation efforts while facing backlash from Democrats nationwide.
Speaking earlier this month at the southern border in Eagle Pass, Texas, Noem emphasized the progress made towards what the White House describes as “the most secure border in the history of this country.” She claimed, “In just one year, we’ve transitioned from a precarious situation under the previous administration to a safe one.” She also mentioned the tragic fact that “thousands died at the border due to decisions made by Biden and the Democratic Party, as they’ve cut the fence and formed alliances with cartels, leading to an invasion causing unprecedented drug trafficking, human trafficking, and child abuse.”
Immigration Tactics Under Scrutiny
Noem noted that these immigration issues have led to intense scrutiny from both Democrats and some Republicans, particularly following the tragic shootings in Minnesota. Trump’s campaign promises included the deportation of millions of undocumented individuals, and Noem contended that Democrats criticizing enforcement measures are overlooking genuine humanitarian issues linked to the border crisis that were exacerbated under the previous administration.
She asked, “Where were the Democrats, who constantly discuss jails and enforcement efforts in the U.S., during this crisis? A hundred times more people died at the border because of their actions, yet they remained silent.”
Political Tensions Amid Funding Issues
The ongoing partial government shutdown in Washington regarding DHS funding has escalated this situation. As Democrats push for new ICE operational policies, Noem and her department continue their commitment to deport undocumented immigrants.
Interestingly, around 90% of DHS personnel are considered essential and must work without pay amidst this stoppage. ICE funding remains largely intact due to earlier provisions from various legislative acts.
Border czar Tom Homan indicated in a CNN interview that the shutdown has “no impact” on current immigration operations.
White House press secretary Caroline Leavitt remarked, “Democrats chose to act against the American people for political reasons, impacting personnel like those in FEMA, the Coast Guard, and TSA, who will be working without pay simply because Democrats want a confrontation with Donald Trump.”
