‘You’re Not Scaring Me’: Noem Dodges Kicks From Migrant Suspect on ICE Raid

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem took an unusually hands-on role during a deportation raid this week, joining federal agents in a high-stakes operation ordered under President Donald Trump’s directive.

Early Tuesday in Phoenix, Arizona, Noem was at the forefront of a pre-dawn raid alongside roughly 100 federal officers. During the operation, three undocumented individuals were taken into custody for crimes including drug trafficking, firearms violations, and money laundering.

On the scene with The New York Post, Noem remained composed even as one detainee attempted to lash out at her. The suspect, wearing slip-on shoes, aimed a kick at Noem—who calmly brushed it off with a quip: “You’re not scaring me with your Croc.”

The raid was coordinated by a multi-agency task force spearheaded by Phoenix-based Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials. The initiative brought together personnel from multiple federal agencies focused on immigration and crime enforcement. According to The Post, the individuals arrested were undocumented immigrants with extensive rap sheets.

Donning full tactical gear—including a flak jacket and her recognizable two-tone gold Rolex—Noem joined agents from ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, Homeland Security Investigations, the DEA, and the FBI. The group gathered in a dimly lit parking structure before the mission, where Noem greeted officers, thanked them for their commitment, and promised ongoing support.

“The effort of cooperation we have between agencies is getting turned onto steroids,” she said. “We have this being multiplied across the country exponentially, now anyone who’s in this country illegally that’s committing crimes and has broken our laws will face consequences.”

She added, “We’ll be sweeping them up faster than we ever have before.”

Before deployment, officers reviewed a detailed plan outlining the operation’s targets. A convoy of approximately twelve vehicles soon departed, with Noem behind the wheel of a BearCat armored SWAT truck.

Among the passengers was former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski, who referred to himself as “chief of staff” when addressing federal agents. A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson later clarified that Lewandowski currently acts as an adviser to the department, holding a special government employee designation.

The first suspect taken into custody was Bonifacio Renteria-Cruz, a Mexican national who authorities believe is linked to the Sinaloa Cartel. His criminal history includes charges of aggravated assault and weapons violations, as well as an outstanding homicide warrant in Mexico. Records show an immigration judge ordered his removal from the U.S. back in 2008.

Another detainee, Jose Escobar-Robles, was apprehended next. He is suspected of operating Monroy Enterprises, a money service business allegedly used to launder cartel funds across the border. Once in custody, Escobar-Robles attempted to obscure his face with a Croc shoe, urging officers, “Let’s go, let’s go.” Noem remained calm and asked if he had family, repeating her earlier remark: “You’re not scaring me with your Croc.”

The final arrest involved Luis Garcia-Sanchez, who authorities say is connected to the violent 18th Street Gang. DHS reports indicate he faced felony narcotics charges dating back to 1987 and had already been deported twice.

When agents arrived, Garcia-Sanchez was barefoot and the residence was reportedly filled with the smell of marijuana. His wife retrieved shoes for him before officers led him away.

While being escorted, the 61-year-old spoke to The Post, insisting he had left gang life behind and was now a grandfather. From the back of the squad car, he told Noem that he had three children and didn’t want them following the same path he once walked.

Noem responded with a firm but measured message: “Go deal with the consequences of breaking the law here. Give them an example of being a better person.”