US homeland security secretary Kristi Noem vows to join future immigration raids after New York operation

US homeland security secretary Kristi Noem has pledged to personally participate in future immigration raids following her involvement in a pre-dawn operation in New York City on Tuesday.

The raid, which targeted, what authorities described as, "violent criminal migrants", resulted in the capture of a Tren de Aragua gang ringleader and other “career criminals” hiding in the city.


“We’ve just gotten started,” Noem said during an interview with Fox News, vowing to continue joining law enforcement efforts on the ground. “I will be out there with our agents and with our law enforcement officers, our border patrol.”

According to The New York Post, Noem accompanied armed federal agents in the multi-agency operation, wearing a protective ICE vest. Among those apprehended was Anderson Zambrano-Pacheco, a 25-year-old alleged leader of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang. The group has been linked to violent crimes, including a takeover of an apartment complex in Aurora, Colorado.

Zambrano-Pacheco, wanted on warrants for kidnapping, assault, and burglary, was apprehended in New York after reportedly attempting to purchase grenades and firearms. “This was a good morning for our agents,” Noem remarked, crediting the team for the operation's success.

Noem’s decision to join enforcement efforts marks a departure from the traditional DHS leadership role, with the secretary vowing to regularly embed herself in operations. “When I’m there, they know they have a leader that supports them, but also I’m learning from them,” Noem explained, adding that her presence helps her understand the tools and authorities officers need to succeed.

The secretary also highlighted the importance of local cooperation, praising New York City Mayor Eric Adams for his support during the operation. “I talked to him four or five times last night about what we were doing, our operations, and how they could support us,” she said.

Noem’s involvement aligns with the Trump administration’s intensified crackdown on illegal immigration. She reaffirmed the administration’s firm stance, stating, “If you’re an illegal and if you’re dangerous, we have a target on you. You will not be welcome, and we will remove you.”