WASHINGTON – As the face of President Donald Trump’s staunch immigration policies, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is set to encounter intense scrutiny from Democrats when she faces Congress on Thursday. Her role in spearheading the administration’s mass deportations initiative has put her squarely in the spotlight.

It has been a significant gap since Noem last stood before Congress in May. During this period, immigration enforcement operations have sparked heated debates, particularly in major cities like Los Angeles and Chicago. These operations have often led to confrontations between federal agents and activists, highlighting the contentious nature of her department’s methods.

Noem is scheduled to testify before the House Committee on Homeland Security, addressing the topic of “Worldwide Threats to the Homeland.” Traditionally, this hearing has covered a broad spectrum of concerns, including cybersecurity, terrorism, China, and border security. However, given Noem’s leadership in Trump’s hallmark policy area, discussions are anticipated to center heavily on immigration issues.

Re-elected in January, Trump asserts that he has a mandate to transform the U.S. immigration landscape, alleging that the nation is facing an “invasion.” This rhetoric has fueled the administration’s aggressive stance on immigration enforcement.

Since Trump’s return, there has been a marked increase in individuals held in immigration detention. The administration has also continued the practice of deporting migrants to countries they are not originally from. Additionally, following an incident involving an Afghan national accused of shooting two National Guard troops, Noem’s department has intensified its immigrant screening and checks within the U.S.

The annual worldwide threats hearing provides Congress with a platform to question the heads of the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, and the National Counterterrorism Center. This session is crucial for understanding the threats facing the U.S. and evaluating the measures these agencies are implementing in response.

Noem’s department is under particular scrutiny because Congress in July passed legislation giving it roughly $165 billion to carry out its mass deportations agenda and secure the border. The department is getting more money to hire 10,000 more deportation officers, complete the wall between the U.S. and Mexico and increase detention and removal of foreigners from the country.

The secretary’s appearance also comes as a federal judge is investigating whether she should face a contempt charge over flights carrying migrants to El Salvador.

Noem will also likely have to answer to criticism from Democrats who accuse immigration enforcement agents of erroneously detaining and arresting American citizens in their rush to deport as many people in the country illegally as possible. Homeland Security says agents carrying out immigration enforcement operations do not target or arrest American citizens for immigration reasons although they say they have arrested Americans for allegedly interfering in enforcement operations.

And a number of the Democratic members of the committee are part of a lawsuit accusing Noem and the department of limiting their access to Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facilities.

Also attending Thursday’s hearing are Joseph Kent, the director of the National Counterterrorism Center, and Michael Glasheen, operations director of the national security branch of the FBI.

Previous hearings have included questions on cybersecurity, China, chemical security and drones. Under President Joe Biden, at times of heavy migration at the southern border, Republicans often focused their questioning on his Democratic administration’s handling of border security.

When the hearing was announced in September, the Republican committee chair said that besides Noem and Kent, FBI Director Kash Patel would also be attending. But instead the FBI is being represented by Glasheen.