Noem announces DHS registry for illegal aliens in US that will require them to be fingerprinted

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem Warns Illegal Immigrants: Leave Now or Face Consequences

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under Secretary Kristi Noem has issued a stark warning to illegal immigrants currently residing in the United States. In a recent appearance on Jesse Watters Primetime, Secretary Noem announced a new initiative aimed at enforcing U.S. immigration laws, which includes the creation of an illegal alien registry requiring fingerprinting. The message is clear: leave the country voluntarily now, or face severe consequences, including criminal penalties and the loss of future opportunities to legally enjoy the freedoms and benefits of living in America.

A New Era of Immigration Enforcement

At the heart of this initiative is the enforcement of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), originally enacted in 1952. This law provides DHS with the tools to track illegal immigrants and encourage voluntary departure. Under the new measures, illegal immigrants will be required to register with the federal government and provide fingerprints. Failure to comply with these requirements, or to notify the government of changes in address, will result in significant penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

Secretary Noem emphasized that decades of lax enforcement are over. "For decades, this law has been ignored—not anymore," DHS stated, signaling a commitment to strict adherence to immigration laws. The Trump administration has made it clear that it will not selectively enforce immigration policies but will instead apply the full force of the law to ensure national security and public safety.

A Warning to Potential Illegal Entrants: “Don’t Even Think About It”

Beyond those already in the U.S., Secretary Noem also directed a stern message to anyone considering entering the country illegally. "If you are considering entering America illegally, don’t even think about it," she warned. "If you come to our country and break our laws, we will hunt you down. Criminals are not welcome in the United States."

Noem linked illegal immigration to a host of serious issues, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, and violent crime. She accused previous administrations of weak leadership that left U.S. borders vulnerable. "Those days are over," she declared, promising a new era of border security and enforcement under President Trump and DHS.

Encouraging Voluntary Departure

While the tone of the initiative is firm, DHS is also offering a pathway for illegal immigrants to leave the country voluntarily. The department encourages those in the U.S. illegally to visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website for instructions on how to register and comply with the new requirements. Secretary Noem and DHS hope to convince illegal immigrants that self-deportation is the safer and more orderly option—not only for them but also for law enforcement officers tasked with enforcing the law.

The Broader Context: Securing America’s Borders

Secretary Noem’s push to enforce immigration laws is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to secure the southern border and address illegal immigration. In recent weeks, the administration has taken several steps, including deploying the military, restarting wall construction, and ending controversial Biden-era parole programs. Noem, who recently received Senate confirmation as the fourth Trump administration official to lead DHS, is at the forefront of these efforts.

The initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to restoring order at the border and upholding the rule of law. By combining strict enforcement with a call for voluntary compliance, DHS aims to deter future illegal crossings while encouraging those already in the country illegally to take responsibility for their actions. As Secretary Noem made clear, the message is unambiguous: leave now, and there may still be an opportunity to return legally and build a future in America. Stay, and face the consequences.