Trump pointed to what he described as improvements in border security under Noem’s leadership, crediting her work alongside former Border Patrol chief Tom Homan and other officials.
“They closed up the border,” Trump said, calling current border conditions “one of the most secure borders in the world.” He contrasted the current situation with previous years, saying the United States had faced international criticism over immigration enforcement in the past.
Trump also referenced his previous presidential terms, citing economic growth, military rebuilding efforts, and regulatory changes, and said his current term had continued those trends.
The comments come as scrutiny remains focused on a Border Patrol operation in Minneapolis that resulted in the death of 37-year-old Alex Pretti. Federal officials have said Pretti was armed at the time of the encounter. The circumstances surrounding the shooting are under review.
Pretti’s parents, Michael and Susan, spoke publicly about their son in interviews following his death. They described him as compassionate and community-minded, noting that they had spoken with him shortly before the incident about routine matters such as home repairs.
The family said they had previously advised their son to exercise caution if he chose to participate in protests related to immigration enforcement, which have intensified in Minneapolis amid recent incidents involving federal agents.
In a statement released after his death, Pretti’s parents described him as “kind-hearted” and said they strongly disagreed with the Department of Homeland Security’s account of the events leading up to the shooting.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing, and no additional details have been released by authorities at this time.