DHS Secretary Kristi Noem touts TSA operations at Miami International Airport

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem announced extensive Transportation Security Administration (TSA) operations at Miami International Airport on Saturday, saying these efforts play a critical role in protecting U.S. transportation networks.

Speaking at a press conference at the airport, Noem said TSA officers prevented more than 10,000 people suspected of having ties to narcoterrorism from traveling last year. He added that another 85,000 people who had links to terrorism or were on the US terrorism watch list had been stopped from boarding.

“Here at this airport last year more than 10,000 people with ties to narcoterrorism were prevented from traveling, 85,000 people with similar ties to terrorists and watch-listed terrorists in the United States,” Noem said. he said.

Noem also highlighted Miami International Airport’s human trafficking unit, which conducted more than 2,200 inspections last year. These efforts resulted in the arrest of 24 people related to child abuse.

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The unit also seized 85 firearms from travelers during the reconnaissance, 82 of which were loaded, according to Noem.

“The work they do to keep people safe, which is the mission the Department of Homeland Security strives to do every day, is incredible,” Noem said.

One of the busiest airports in the world, Miami International employs more than 1,700 TSA officers and serves an average of 70,000 passengers per day. Authorities recently set a new record on January 4 by screening nearly 100,000 passengers in a single day. More than 25 million passengers will travel through the airport in 2025, Noem said.

As travel continues to increase, Noem highlighted a $9 billion airport modernization project aimed at strengthening security. TSA is contributing $100 million to the effort, on top of DHS’s previous $1 billion investment in improved security technology nationwide.

Planned upgrades include expanded canine units, advanced computed tomography scanners and advanced imaging systems.

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DHS Secretary Kristi Noem speaks at a news conference at Miami International Airport on Saturday. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Noem said the investments are especially critical as the United States prepares to host major global events, including the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

“This billion dollars will allow us to continue keeping America safe,” Noem said.

During the event, Noem was also asked about the possibility of releasing body camera footage of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old critical care nurse and licensed concealed carry owner who was killed during an immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota this month.

“The FBI is leading the investigation and it will be at their discretion as we move forward,” he said.

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Travelers pass by the official FIFA World Cup countdown clock at Miami International Airport. (Reuters/Marco Bello)

Saying that the end of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians is near, Noem said the program was never intended to be permanent and accused the Biden administration of abusing the program.

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“Any person from a country where TPS has expired has the opportunity to appeal it and look at other programs they may be eligible for, and they have several months to do so,” Noem said. “They should reach out to the State Department, they should reach out to the Department of Homeland Security, and we will help them with that.”

DHS did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.