- Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem called the FBI “corrupt” after details were leaked about a planned ICE raid in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Times first reported the operation, citing anonymous sources.
- Trump administration officials, including Attorney General Pam Bondi, warned that leaks jeopardize law enforcement, while “border czar” Tom Homan said prior leaks in Denver led to fewer arrests.
- Immigration advocates argue that ICE operations impact vulnerable communities, not just criminals, and have launched hotlines to monitor enforcement activity.
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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has called the FBI “corrupt” after details about a major immigration enforcement operation planned for Los Angeles leaked.
The Los Angeles Times published a report detailing the upcoming ICE operation, citing anonymous sources who provided the information.
Noem shared the article on X, writing, “The FBI is so corrupt. We will work with any and every agency to stop leaks and prosecute these crooked deep state agents to the fullest extent of the law.”
According to the Los Angeles Times, the operation was expected to take place by the end of the month. The FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration were reportedly set to assist ICE.
ICE has not issued a statement regarding the Los Angeles Times report.
Officials warn people who leak info can be prosecuted
Trump administration officials argue that leaks to the media about upcoming enforcement actions endanger law enforcement. Bondi addressed the issue on Fox News.
“If anyone leaks anything, people don’t understand that it risks the lives of great law enforcement,” Bondi said. “We will find out who you are and come after you.”
Leaks could lead to botched operations
“Border czar” Tom Homan warned that leaks compromise the success of ICE operations. He cited a recent incident in Denver, where leaked information about an upcoming raid reportedly resulted in fewer arrests than originally expected.
“This isn’t a game. When operations get leaked like that, it puts officers at risk,” Homan told reporters. “This job is dangerous — everybody can agree to that. When they get a heads-up we’re coming, it’s only a matter of time before officers are ambushed.”
Immigration advocates raise concerns
Meanwhile, immigration advocacy groups are demanding more transparency about ICE operations. They argue that enforcement actions do not solely target criminals, but also impact vulnerable migrant communities.
The Trump administration maintains that violent criminals in the country illegally remain the top priority for deportation, but officials have stated that anyone in the U.S. without legal status could be removed.
Several California counties have set up Rapid Response Network hotlines to monitor ICE activity.
A promotional video for one of these hotlines states, “These are not criminals. These are individuals who make up the fabric of who we are.”
ICE considers ending media ride-alongs
Homan said ICE officials are now discussing an end to media ride-alongs during enforcement operations to prevent leaks and better protect sensitive information as ICE remains committed to carrying out President Trump’s pledge to conduct the largest deportation effort in U.S. history.