Executive Order

Department of Homeland Security

organization

Under Secretary Noem, DHS oversaw the enforcement apparatus. Rescinded sensitive-location protections on January 21, 2025. Declared at least 16 shootings "justified" before investigations completed. Subpoenaed Meta to unmask Instagram accounts identifying a Border Patrol agent. Courthouse arrests and warrantless arrests surged.

Donald Trump

person

Ordered the mass deportation campaign. Signed the Laken Riley Act (first bill of second term). Invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. Deployed military to American cities. Rescinded sensitive-location protections on Day One. Issued birthright citizenship executive order (blocked by all courts, Supreme Court hearing April 2026). Threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act in January 2026. After the Good and Pretti killings, stated they "should not have happened."

Kristi Noem

person

Sworn in as DHS Secretary January 25, 2025. Personally joined ICE agents on Minneapolis raids in January 2026. Oversaw Operation Metro Surge deploying 2,000+ agents. Claimed 622,000+ removals and 10,000+ arrests in Minneapolis (figures disputed by journalists). An impeachment resolution (H.Res.996) has been introduced against her. Implemented 7-day advance notice for Congressional visits to detention facilities, limiting oversight.

Laken Riley Act Signed (Jan 29, 2025)

event

First bill signed into law during Trump's second term, January 29, 2025. Senate voted 64-35 with 12 Democrats joining. Mandates detention of undocumented immigrants accused (not convicted) of theft, burglary, assault on police, and other crimes. Gives states the right to sue the federal government over immigration. 17,500 arrests under Laken Riley authority through December 2025.

White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Advisor. Widely called the "mastermind" of the crackdown. In May 2025, directed ICE to aim for 3,000 arrests/day. Runs daily 10 a.m. calls (including Saturdays) demanding updates. Co-directed with Noem instructions to "supercharge immigrant arrests." Only 17% of Americans have a positive impression of Miller (YouGov, Jan 2026).

Tom Homan

person

Appointed November 2024 as "border czar" overseeing all deportations. Pushed for 3,000 arrests/day. Oversaw CECOT deportation flights that defied a court order, claiming they were "above international waters." Dispatched to Minneapolis in January 2026 to take over operations after two Americans were killed. In February 2026, announced partial withdrawal of 700 agents from Minnesota.