A political controversy is rocking the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) led by Secretary Kristi Noem, after Democratic senators publicly challenged her claims about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) practices. According to them, President Donald Trump’s administration is deliberately downplaying a now-documented phenomenon: the arrest of American citizens during immigration raids.
A Statement That Reignites Debate Over Federal Operations’ Abuses
The affair dates back to a press conference held on October 30 in Gary, Indiana. Questioned about an operation targeting truckers suspected of immigration law violations, Kristi Noem stated unequivocally that “no American citizens were arrested or detained” as part of “Operation Midway Blitz.”
This statement directly contradicted data released shortly afterward. Investigative outlet ProPublica published a report revealing more than 170 cases of American citizens arrested or detained by ICE over the past year, an unprecedented figure. While the secretary was referring to a specific operation, the gap between her statements and these general statistics sparked outrage.
ProPublica reiterated its findings on X: “We reported the facts you’re dismissing. We documented more than 170 cases of American citizens detained by ICE this year…” The investigation notably mentions children, including two with cancer, detained in error.
Dick Durbin Pushes Back: “That’s Demonstrably False”
Senator Dick Durbin (Democrat-Illinois), an influential figure on the Senate Judiciary Committee, was among the first to react. Citing ProPublica’s data, he accused Secretary Noem of misleading the public.
On X, he wrote: “That’s demonstrably false. Trump and Noem’s DHS detains American citizens. And they do so in violent, indiscriminate raids, using excessive force.”
The official account of the Judiciary Committee Democrats used more blunt language, calling the statement a “bold-faced lie.”
This attack illustrates growing tensions in Congress over the administration’s immigration policy. Democrats denounce a communications strategy that downplays collateral damage, while Republicans defend measures presented as essential to combat illegal immigration.
DHS Strikes Back: “Stop Fear-Mongering”
Facing criticism, DHS responded forcefully, directly targeting Senator Durbin in an official post: “Stop fear-mongering. ICE does not arrest or deport American citizens. If an American citizen is arrested, it’s because they obstructed or assaulted law enforcement.”
The department insisted that its operations target “those who are illegally present on American soil—not their skin color, race, or origin.” The message concluded with a line summarizing the administration’s stance: “Secretary Noem has been clear: rioters will not stop us or slow us down.”
Durbin Holds His Ground: “Your Lies Won’t Work”
Senator Durbin did not back down. In a scathing reply, he claimed that evidence categorically contradicted DHS denials: “Photos, videos, testimonies: 40 American citizens have been arrested and detained in Illinois alone by your department. Your lies may work with President Trump. Not with us.”
This rebuttal highlights the deep fracture between Democratic lawmakers and the executive branch, a recurring divide since the hardening of immigration policies.
A Controversy Revealing a Disputed Practice
Beyond DHS denials, the cases documented by ProPublica fit into a broader context: large-scale operations, sometimes conducted hastily, where identification errors appear to be multiplying.
In several cities, American citizens have been arrested based on erroneous information, physical resemblances, or outdated databases. While they are often released after verification, the consequences—job loss, psychological trauma, family separations—can be severe. The mention of sick children temporarily detained also raises major ethical questions.
Between DHS denials, ProPublica’s figures, and public statements from elected officials, the gap is widening on questions of transparency and reliability of immigration operations.
The exchange of direct, public statements between the protagonists shows that the confrontation is now as much political as factual, with each side seeking to impose its own narrative on the reality of ICE’s actions.
