Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is taking a hands-on approach during deportation raids ordered by President Donald Trump, demonstrating her commitment to enforcing immigration laws. On Tuesday morning, Noem led around 100 federal agents in a pre-dawn operation in Phoenix, Arizona, where three illegal migrants were apprehended on various charges, including weapons and drug offenses, as well as operating a money laundering ring.
The New York Post reported on the scene, highlighting Noem’s quick reflexes as she deftly dodged a kick from one suspect wearing slip-on shoes, quipping, “You’re not scaring me with your Croc.” The multi-agency task force, which included agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the FBI, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), successfully apprehended three illegal immigrant felons with extensive criminal records.
Dressed in full tactical gear, including a flak jacket and her signature two-tone gold Rolex, Noem met with agents in a dimly lit underground parking garage. She expressed gratitude for their service and pledged to secure the necessary resources to enhance their operations. “The effort of cooperation we have between agencies is getting turned onto steroids. We have this being multiplied across the country exponentially. Now anyone who’s in this country illegally that’s committing crimes and has broken our laws will face consequences,” Noem told The Post. “We’ll be sweeping them up faster than we ever have before,” she added.
After a detailed briefing on the day’s targets, a convoy of a dozen vehicles rolled out, with Noem driving a BearCat armored SWAT vehicle. Accompanying her was Corey Lewandowski, former Trump campaign manager and senior adviser, who introduced himself to federal agents as “chief of staff.” A DHS official later clarified that Lewandowski serves as an adviser to the department and holds the status of a special government employee.
The first arrest of the day was Bonifacio Renteria-Cruz, an illegal immigrant from Mexico with alleged ties to the Sinaloa Cartel. His criminal record includes convictions for aggravated assault and weapons offenses, along with an active arrest warrant in Mexico for homicide. Renteria-Cruz had previously been ordered removed by an immigration judge in 2008.
Next on the task force’s list was Jose Escobar-Robles, an illegal immigrant suspected of helping operate Monroy Enterprises, a money service business allegedly used to funnel illicit funds to Mexico in support of cartels involved in drug smuggling and human trafficking. After being handcuffed and placed in the back of a police vehicle, Escobar-Robles attempted to shield his face from cameras by lifting a Croc shoe, urging agents, “Let’s go, let’s go.” Noem calmly asked him whether he had any family as the arrest unfolded, responding, “You’re gonna go — you’re gonna go home, and you’re gonna get prosecuted. You’re not scaring me with your Croc.”
The final suspect apprehended was Luis Garcia-Sanchez, who is allegedly tied to the notorious 18th Street Gang. He was wanted on felony narcotics charges dating back to 1987 and had been ordered removed from the U.S. twice. When agents arrived with the warrant, Garcia-Sanchez was barefoot and surrounded by a strong odor of marijuana. His wife fetched his shoes before officers placed him in a waiting police vehicle. As he was led away in handcuffs, the 61-year-old told The Post that he was no longer affiliated with the gang and emphasized that he is now a grandfather. He expressed remorse, stating that he did not want his children to follow in his footsteps. Noem responded, “Go deal with the consequences of breaking the law here. Give them an example of being a better person.”
The operation underscores Noem’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws and her willingness to take a front-line role in these efforts, reflecting the administration’s tough stance on illegal immigration and crime.
