Gonzales Presses DHS Secretary on Criminal Alien Numbers, Pushes for State Reimbursements

WASHINGTON, D.C. — During a House Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee hearing this week, Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) directly questioned Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on the growing number of criminal illegal aliens in the U.S. and the ongoing burden placed on states like Texas due to federal inaction.

Gonzales referenced a letter he sent last year to the ICE Director requesting data on noncitizens with criminal records. In response, ICE reported that, as of July 21, 2024, over 662,000 noncitizens with criminal histories were on its national docket. Gonzales pressed Secretary Noem for updated figures, pointing to the growing concern in border states.

“We believe we have more than that and are continuing to do an assessment,” Secretary Noem responded. “Every day, we continue to see crimes committed by individuals we didn’t even know were in the country… There are many, many more criminals in this country, and we’re going to continue to target and go after them to protect families.”

Noem added that more than 65,000 criminal aliens have been arrested by ICE, and over 250 individuals on the terrorist watch list have been prosecuted under the current administration.

Gonzales also turned attention to the financial burden states like Texas have shouldered in filling the federal government’s gap at the border.

“What are your thoughts on Texas being reimbursed for some of the funding we’ve had to pay for this?” he asked.

Secretary Noem acknowledged Texas’ role, noting, “Texas stepped up so many times when the Biden administration did not secure our border… I know President Trump appreciates the effort and the partnership and wants to continue those conversations.” While no formal reimbursement decisions have been made, she confirmed it remains an ongoing discussion.

Congressman Gonzales has been a leading voice in advocating for border security funding and has repeatedly called for federal accountability and transparency on immigration enforcement. His efforts underscore growing bipartisan concerns about the national impact of a porous border and the strain it places on local law enforcement and state resources.