Noem Criticizes Nashville’s Immigration Policies

During a press conference in Nashville on July 18, 2025, Homeland Security Secretary Christie Noem labeled Kilmer Abrego Garcia a “monster,” while discussing the city’s immigration policies and the local university’s involvement.

Noem was in Nashville to emphasize the government’s efforts to tighten immigration enforcement. She accused the local mayor and universities of hindering justice, promising to see a stronger presence of immigration agents on the streets.

Speaking to reporters, Noem highlighted recent arrests of undocumented immigrants in Tennessee, which she stated were tied to serious crimes, including gang activity and terrorism. She pointed to these individuals as examples of what the former administration described as the “worst” among immigrants with criminal backgrounds.

“Since returning to office, President Trump has made it a priority to ensure America’s safety,” Noem said, asserting that there is a continuous effort to remove dangerous individuals from communities.

Noem then shifted her focus to Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell, stating that his policies failed to support federal immigration officers. She criticized him for not acting decisively, suggesting his actions led to greater risks for children and families.

Further, Noem targeted Belmont University, accusing it of shielding undocumented students and obstructing federal immigration laws. She claimed the university has publicly expressed its intent to support illegal immigrants, which she sees as a violation of federal mandates.

A spokesperson for Belmont responded, asserting that the university adheres to federal law in its operations.

O’Connell’s office had not responded to Noem’s remarks by the time of reporting.

Noem also repeated her concerns regarding Kilmer Abrego Garcia, who is currently detained in Tennessee. She described the legal case against him as substantial and expressed hope that justice will prevail.

Noem promised Nashville residents should expect to see more visible immigration enforcement, claiming that additional agents would be deployed. She hinted at improved training and resources for enforcement officials but didn’t elaborate on specifics.

In a separate interaction, Noem faced questions about whether targeting could be racially motivated. She firmly rejected the notion, branding it a misconception circulated by media outlets.