Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaks with law enforcement officers as DHS cracks down on internal leaks that compromised ICE operations. Image Credit: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement via Getty Images
She said she would find the leakers, and she did.
Federal authorities have now confirmed that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has identified individuals within its ranks who allegedly leaked sensitive information about planned Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. These leaks have compromised law enforcement activities and endangered the lives of agents involved. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has announced that those responsible will face termination and potential legal action.
The Leaks: Compromised Operations
The leaks of sensitive information about ICE operations have significantly undermined law enforcement efforts and put officers in harm’s way. Several major raids were compromised due to leaked details, allowing criminals to evade capture and reducing the effectiveness of these operations.
One of the most damaging leaks involved a planned ICE raid in Aurora, Colorado. Authorities had targeted at least 100 members of the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TDA), a group known for human trafficking, drug smuggling, and brutal violence. However, before the operation could take place, details were leaked directly to the gang. As a result, ICE agents were only able to apprehend a single TDA member, turning what should have been a large-scale takedown into a near-total failure.
A similar incident occurred in Los Angeles, where an upcoming ICE operation was exposed by the Los Angeles Times, citing anonymous sources. The publication of raid details jeopardized the mission and put ICE agents at significant risk. Common sense says that when criminals are aware of law enforcement plans in advance, they have the opportunity to flee, destroy evidence, or even ambush officers. This has made an already dangerous job even more life-threatening.
In Chicago, another ICE deportation operation had to be postponed when its details were leaked and subsequently published in The Wall Street Journal. The exposure forced authorities to rethink their approach, delaying the operation and potentially allowing targets to slip away. These setbacks illustrate how leaks can disrupt enforcement efforts on a national scale.
Tom Homan, the former ICE director and current “border czar,” has been vocal about the devastating consequences of these leaks. He pointed out that when ICE’s plans are exposed, the number of arrests drops significantly, preventing dangerous individuals from being removed from the streets. Homan stressed that these leaks put law enforcement officers in extreme danger, stating, “When operations get leaked like that, it puts our men at risk. 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.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi echoed these concerns, warning that leaking operational details directly threatens the lives of officers. She emphasized that people often fail to understand the real-world consequences of these leaks, saying,“If anyone leaks anything, people don’t understand that risks our lives of great law enforcement.”
She said she would find the leakers, and she did.
Federal authorities have now confirmed that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has identified individuals within its ranks who allegedly leaked sensitive information about planned Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. These leaks have compromised law enforcement activities and endangered the lives of agents involved. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has announced that those responsible will face termination and potential legal action.
The Leaks: Compromised Operations
The leaks of sensitive information about ICE operations have significantly undermined law enforcement efforts and put officers in harm’s way. Several major raids were compromised due to leaked details, allowing criminals to evade capture and reducing the effectiveness of these operations.
One of the most damaging leaks involved a planned ICE raid in Aurora, Colorado. Authorities had targeted at least 100 members of the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TDA), a group known for human trafficking, drug smuggling, and brutal violence. However, before the operation could take place, details were leaked directly to the gang. As a result, ICE agents were only able to apprehend a single TDA member, turning what should have been a large-scale takedown into a near-total failure.
A similar incident occurred in Los Angeles, where an upcoming ICE operation was exposed by the Los Angeles Times, citing anonymous sources. The publication of raid details jeopardized the mission and put ICE agents at significant risk. Common sense says that when criminals are aware of law enforcement plans in advance, they have the opportunity to flee, destroy evidence, or even ambush officers. This has made an already dangerous job even more life-threatening.
In Chicago, another ICE deportation operation had to be postponed when its details were leaked and subsequently published in The Wall Street Journal. The exposure forced authorities to rethink their approach, delaying the operation and potentially allowing targets to slip away. These setbacks illustrate how leaks can disrupt enforcement efforts on a national scale.
Tom Homan, the former ICE director and current “border czar,” has been vocal about the devastating consequences of these leaks. He pointed out that when ICE’s plans are exposed, the number of arrests drops significantly, preventing dangerous individuals from being removed from the streets. Homan stressed that these leaks put law enforcement officers in extreme danger, stating, “When operations get leaked like that, it puts our men at risk. 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.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi echoed these concerns, warning that leaking operational details directly threatens the lives of officers. She emphasized that people often fail to understand the real-world consequences of these leaks, saying,“If anyone leaks anything, people don’t understand that risks our lives of great law enforcement.”
The damage from these leaks goes beyond a few failed operations. They have systematically weakened ICE’s ability to carry out its mission, emboldened criminals, and placed law enforcement personnel in greater danger. The exposure of sensitive law enforcement plans is a betrayal of public trust, a reckless act that could cost lives.
Discovery of the Leakers
On March 7, 2025, Homeland Security Secretary Noem announced that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had identified two individuals accused of leaking sensitive information about ICE operations. These leaks reportedly compromised law enforcement safety and allowed some intended targets to evade capture.
According to Noem, the two alleged leakers are believed to be DHS employees. She stated that these individuals had been “telling individuals about our operations and putting law enforcement lives in jeopardy.” However, the identities of the accused have not been disclosed to the public.
DHS officials plan to refer both individuals to the Department of Justice for felony prosecution. If convicted, they could face up to 10 years in federal prison.
Noem emphasized the department’s determination to root out all sources of leaks, making it clear that such breaches will not be tolerated. “We will persist in our efforts to safeguard America,” she stated. DHS is taking these leaks seriously, recognizing the dangers they pose to law enforcement officers and the overall effectiveness of immigration enforcement efforts. By pursuing felony charges, the department aims to send a strong message that leaking sensitive information will come with severe consequences.
We have identified criminal leakers within @DHSgov and are preparing to refer these perpetrators to the @TheJusticeDept for felony prosecutions.
These individuals face up to 10 years in federal prison.
The individuals identified as leakers face serious consequences. They will be terminated from their positions and referred to the Department of Justice for felony prosecution. If convicted, they are looking at a decade of federal prison time.
These incidents highlight significant challenges within federal agencies regarding the handling of sensitive information.The intentional breaches not only compromise specific operations but also erode trust in the agencies’ ability to conduct secure and effective law enforcement activities. Addressing these internal vulnerabilities is crucial for maintaining national security and the integrity of law enforcement operations in the United States.
The swift identification and planned prosecution of the leakers demonstrate DHS’s commitment to safeguarding operational security and protecting its personnel.As these cases proceed, they will hopefully serve as a stern warning to others about the severe repercussions of unauthorized disclosures within federal agencies.
As someone who’s seen what happens when the truth is distorted, I know how unfair it feels when those who’ve sacrificed the most lose their voice. At SOFREP, our veteran journalists, who once fought for freedom, now fight to bring you unfiltered, real-world intel. But without your support, we risk losing this vital source of truth. By subscribing, you’re not just leveling the playing field—you’re standing with those who’ve already given so much, ensuring they continue to serve by delivering stories that matter. Every subscription means we can hire more veterans and keep their hard-earned knowledge in the fight. Don’t let their voices be silenced. Please consider subscribing now.
One team, one fight,
Brandon Webb former Navy SEAL, Bestselling Author and Editor-in-Chief
Barrett is the world leader in long-range, large-caliber, precision rifle design and manufacturing. Barrett products are used by civilians, sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military, and more than 75 State Department-approved countries around the world.
PO Box 1077 MURFREESBORO, Tennessee 37133 United States
Scrubba Wash Bag
Our ultra-portable washing machine makes your journey easier. This convenient, pocket-sized travel companion allows you to travel lighter while helping you save money, time and water.
Our roots in shooting sports started off back in 1996 with our founder and CEO, Josh Ungier. His love of airguns took hold of our company from day one and we became the first e-commerce retailer dedicated to airguns, optics, ammo, and accessories. Over the next 25 years, customers turned to us for our unmatched product selection, great advice, education, and continued support of the sport and airgun industry.
COMMENTS
There are
You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article.