U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) questioned Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during a Senate Judiciary Committee oversight hearing, focusing on national security threats and the ongoing shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The discussion centered on sanctuary city policies and concerns about radical Islamic terrorism.
Graham raised issues related to recent unrest in Minnesota involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, stating that sanctuary states and cities contribute significantly to these problems. Secretary Noem expressed support for congressional action to abolish sanctuary jurisdictions, echoing a proposal led by Graham in recent weeks.
During the hearing, Graham asked, “Do you believe as long as [sanctuary cities] exist, [they] will be a magnet for future illegal immigration?” Noem responded, “Yes, I do.” Graham continued, “So, if you’re an illegal immigrant, and you can get to one of these sanctuary cities, states, or towns, you believe you’ll never leave. Until you fix this, you’re going to have illegal immigrant magnets. Do you agree with that?” Noem replied again with “Yes.” When asked if she would urge Congress to abolish sanctuary cities, Noem answered: “Yes, I would, sir.” The exchange is available at https://youtu.be/E_L5R2mQHPw?si=1mb9_eLaqOImvGEz&t=430.
The hearing also addressed rising threats from Iran following Operation Epic Fury. Graham highlighted concerns over unvetted individuals from terrorist watchlists entering the country during the Biden Administration. He asked Noem about the current threat level from radical Islamic terrorists: “Now we’re engaged in military action against the mothership of terrorism, Iran… Do you think the threat level against the United States is up or down when it comes to radical Islamic terrorists?” Noem responded: “It’s up.” Graham added: “It’s up? So, you mean they actually may want to come here and hit us because we hit them in Iran.I don’t think you have to be a general to figure that out.” This portion can be viewed at https://youtu.be/E_L5R2mQHPw?si=luRm8kCzG7UW14hs&t=278.
Addressing border security under President Biden’s administration, Graham stated: “During his four years, President Biden allowed [a] 2,700 percent increase of people on the terrorist watch list to come into this country. In 2023, [there were] 172. Do you know where those people are?” Noem replied: “No, not necessarily.” Graham concluded: “So we don’t know where they are. They’re here but we don’t know where they are because [the Biden Administration] didn’t care if they came.” The exchange is documented at https://youtu.be/E_L5R2mQHPw?si=V0G9eXIJZGKRbKdv&t=62.
The committee also discussed a recent mass shooting in Austin by a naturalized citizen from Senegal being investigated as a potential terrorist attack. On this incident:
Graham asked: “Who’s this guy?”
Noem answered: “He is the man that conducted the horrific act down in Austin.”
Graham continued: “What country did he come from?”
Noem said: “Senegal”
Graham clarified: “He was killed in Austin Texas right?”
Noem confirmed: “He was.”
Graham then asked about details found at the scene.
Noem said his shirt read “Property of Allah” and an Iranian flag was found at his house.
Graham remarked: “I wonder how many people are like that here waiting to pounce and DHS doesn’t have appropriated funds. This is insane. There are more people like this.” The full conversation can be seen at https://youtu.be/E_L5R2mQHPw?si=_s6CQy9jBnho56SB&t=489.
Senator Graham has emphasized national defense priorities throughout his career and currently serves as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee according to his official website. He has recently released updated legislative text for border-security funding legislation (source). First elected in 2002 (source), he represents South Carolina (source) within U.S. government structures (source).