In a decisive move that highlights ongoing tensions between the current and previous administrations, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced on Wednesday the cancellation of deportation protections for Venezuelan migrants put in place during the Biden administration. This decision follows a problematic legacy left by her predecessor, Alejandro Mayorkas, who extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Venezuelan nationals just before leaving office.

Cancellation of TPS Extension

In an official notice, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) declared that it had vacated a January 10 decision by Mayorkas to extend TPS designation for Venezuelans by an additional 18 months. This extension was aimed at offering legal protection to approximately 600,000 Venezuelan nationals presently residing in the U.S.

“Before he left town, Mayorkas signed an order that said for 18 months they were going to extend this protection to people that are in Temporary Protected Status, which meant they were going to be able to stay here and violate our laws for another 18 months,” Noem stated during her appearance on “Fox and Friends.” She emphasized that her administration has halted this extension.

Implications of TPS

Temporary Protected Status serves as a crucial legal framework that protects individuals from deportation to countries deemed unsafe due to ongoing conflicts or natural disasters. Under the provisions established by Mayorkas, extensions were not limited to Venezuela alone; similar measures were also taken for nationals from El Salvador, Sudan, and Ukraine.

The granting of TPS was met with criticism from some quarters, particularly in light of the Trump administration’s focus on stricter immigration policies. The extension would have complicated efforts to deport illegal immigrants from Venezuela, especially in the wake of rising concerns over criminal organizations such as Tren de Aragua, a violent street gang originating from Venezuela.

Executive Order to Reassess Protections

In response to the former administration’s decisions, Noem announced that her team would reassess all individuals currently residing in the U.S., including Venezuelans and members of Temporary Protected Status. As part of this strategy, she emphasized that they would be following a more rigorous evaluation process.

“We signed an executive order within the Department of Homeland Security in a direction that we were not going to follow through on what Mayorkas did to tie our hands,” she explained. Noem expressed determination to reclaim authority over immigration policies and make the U.S.-Mexico border safer.

Policy Actions and Nationwide Operations

The announcement about the cancellation of TPS extension was made shortly after Noem oversaw an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation in New York City. This operation, part of a broader national strategy aimed at deporting illegal immigrants, specifically targeted individuals with criminal records. This move reflects a larger trend within the DHS to empower ICE officers by removing restrictions that were introduced during the Biden administration.

President Donald Trump’s administration had previously enacted a series of executive orders focused on bolstering border security and curbing illegal immigration. These measures, according to Noem, are now being reactivated to ensure the safety of American communities.

Public Support and Future Plans

Noem has indicated that the public is largely supportive of her administration’s efforts. “Listen, I was in New York City yesterday, and the people of this country want these dirtbags out. They want their communities to be safe,” she remarked. During her time in the city, she reported receiving numerous expressions of gratitude from citizens who welcomed the crackdown on illegal immigrants.

The Secretary concluded by reiterating her commitment to the safety of American citizens, stating, “This is part of our plan to make sure that we’re protecting America, keeping it safe again just like President Trump promised.”