Noem will highlight Trump’s policies during a border visit to San Diego

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Homeland Security Secretary Kristy Noem is scheduled to arrive in San Diego County on Thursday for a high-profile visit to the U.S.-Mexico border, where she is scheduled to hold a news conference focused on border security and drug enforcement efforts, according to federal officials.

The event, which will be held in the Otay Mesa community, is being organized by the Department of Homeland Security as an update on the current administration’s historic border security and drug enforcement initiatives. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials are expected to attend along with Noem.

His visit comes at a time when he is new polls show declining support to the Trump administration’s border control and immigration tactics after two fatal shootings of protesters by immigration agents in Minneapolis. That’s what an NBC poll showed 49% of Americans strongly disapprove the administration’s immigration policy. This represents an increase of 38% last summer.

Democratic leaders in California have consistently condemned the administration’s immigration enforcement tactics, which include court arrests and detention of immigrants who no criminal charges have been filed.

But Noem and other members of the Trump administration have countered that California’s policies, including the so-called sanctuary law, are hindering their efforts to deport unauthorized immigrants.

“These sanctuary policies are endangering Americans and our law enforcement agencies to protect illegal immigrants, violent criminals,” Noem said in May, when the department released a list of cities and states with sanctuary policies. “We are exposing these sanctuary politicians who harbor criminal illegal immigrants and defy federal law. President Trump and I will always prioritize the safety of the American people. Sanctuary politicians on alert: obey federal law.”

Earlier this week, the Department of Homeland Security touted its success in stemming the flow of illegal drugs and unauthorized crossings at the southern border, portraying them as important achievements in the Trump administration’s overall security strategy.

Noem’s visit follows Gov. Gavin Newsom’s trip last week to the San Diego-Otay Mesa corridor, where he emphasized cooperation between law enforcement agencies including the fight against fentanyl and federal immigration crackdowns. He contrasted the joint effort with the Trump administration’s decision to send The Los Angeles National Guard and other democratic cities against the will of governors and mayors.

Newsom also pointed to CalMatters research that shows Immigration arrests in San Diego quietly increased by 1,500% over the past year, “but without the fanfare of what you see in your living room and on your screen that’s happening in places like Minneapolis.”

The trip also comes amid several contentious political and legal points involving the Department of Homeland Security.

In Congress, Democratic lawmakers have renewed their demands for oversight, and some have called for it impeachment trial against Noem by the immigration control tactics of the agencies under their authority. Democrats in Congress don’t have the votes to remove Noem.

Noem’s efforts to end Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans, Haitians and Somalis — immigrant groups with established communities in San Diego — have faced challenges in federal courts.

San Diego city officials recently filed a federal lawsuit accusing the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense of illegal installation of barbed wire fences on municipal land near the border. The suit specifically names Secretary Noem as a defendant, alleging environmental and property damage.

Conservative influencer Nick Shirley was driving through San Diego County in recent weeks, allegedly recording videos in City Heights and near Somali-run child care centers, prompting statements of concern from state and local officials about harassment and community safety.

Shirley, whose content generates millions of views online, has built a fan base by traveling to border regions and immigrant neighborhoods, portraying them as lawless places. Immigrant advocates and local officials say their accounts misrepresent conditions on the ground and exacerbate tensions.

Her video alleging fraud at Somali-run Minnesota daycare centers is widely credited with bringing intense federal attention to the Twin Cities, including a broad surge in immigration enforcement dubbed “Operation Metro Surge.”

The Otay Mesa Port of Entry is one of the busiest trade and inspection points in the region. According to federal sources, Noem’s statements could touch on topics such as resource allocation, federal-state cooperation, operational performance and drug trafficking.