Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem issued a scathing rebuke of the FBI, calling the bureau "corrupt" and suggesting it was responsible for leaking details of a planned large-scale immigration enforcement operation in Los Angeles. The accusation, made via social media, underscores growing tensions between federal agencies as the Biden administration ramps up immigration enforcement efforts.
The Los Angeles Times reported Friday that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was preparing to lead an operation targeting individuals without legal status or those with pending removal orders. The report, citing an internal government document, also suggested that FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) personnel had been called in to assist.
Noem responded to the report by criticizing the FBI and vowing to crack down on government leaks. "The FBI is so corrupt," she wrote on X. "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."
Find the leaker, make them famous, Perp walk. https://t.co/pS7BtS00EF
— Catturd ™ (@catturd2) February 10, 2025
It remains unclear what specific evidence Noem is referencing. ICE sources told Fox News they were unaware of the basis for Noem's claims, and the Department of Homeland Security has not responded to media inquiries. The FBI also declined to comment.
Attorney General Pam Bondi weighed in on the issue during an appearance on Fox Report Sunday, warning that any leaks compromising law enforcement operations would be pursued aggressively. "If you leaked it, we will find out who you are, and we will come after you," Bondi stated.
She emphasized that exposing operational details puts officers’ lives at risk and vowed that such actions would not deter the administration’s immigration enforcement agenda.
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. https://t.co/HNW1ujf0Gd
— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) February 9, 2025
The discussion also touched on reports of individuals in Denver using bullhorns to warn illegal immigrants of incoming ICE operations. Bondi suggested that such actions could constitute obstruction of justice and signaled that the Justice Department would investigate those interfering with law enforcement. "If you come out with bullhorns that could jeopardize their lives, we will investigate it, and we will come after you," she warned.