Fact Check: "DHS insists there will be no safe spaces for industries harboring criminals."
What We Know
The claim that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has stated there will be "no safe spaces" for industries harboring criminals is supported by recent statements from DHS officials. On June 17, 2025, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emphasized that industries harboring violent criminals or undermining Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) efforts would not be exempt from enforcement actions, stating, "There will be no safe spaces for industries who harbor violent criminals or purposely try to undermine ICE’s efforts" (source-2). This statement was made in the context of a renewed focus on immigration enforcement, particularly in Democratic-led cities, following a brief pause in ICE raids at worksites (source-2).
The DHS's renewed commitment to aggressive immigration enforcement aligns with broader policy shifts under the Trump administration, which has sought to increase the number of arrests and deportations of undocumented immigrants (source-2). The statement reflects a clear intention to target not only individuals but also the industries that employ them, particularly if they are perceived to be protecting undocumented workers.
Analysis
The reliability of the sources supporting this claim is high, as they come from reputable news outlets and official statements from DHS. The context in which the statement was made is crucial; it follows a temporary pause in ICE raids that was initiated due to pressure from industries reliant on undocumented labor, such as agriculture and hospitality (source-2).
Critically, while the DHS's statements are clear, there has been some debate regarding the implications of such policies. Some reports indicate that ICE's focus is not solely on violent offenders, as there are instances of individuals without criminal records being detained during raids (source-2). This nuance suggests that while the DHS is targeting industries that harbor criminals, the enforcement actions may also impact a broader range of undocumented workers.
Furthermore, the political context surrounding these statements is significant. The Trump administration's hardline stance on immigration has been met with resistance from local governments, particularly in cities that have declared themselves as "sanctuary cities" (source-2). This ongoing tension between federal and local authorities adds complexity to the enforcement landscape.
Conclusion
The claim that DHS insists there will be "no safe spaces" for industries harboring criminals is True. The statement made by DHS officials clearly articulates the agency's stance on immigration enforcement and its intention to hold industries accountable for employing undocumented workers. This aligns with the broader enforcement strategy of the Trump administration, which has emphasized aggressive immigration policies and the targeting of both individuals and the industries that employ them.
Sources
- 'No safe spaces': DHS lifts worksite ICE raid pause as ... - San.com
- ICE raids scare off workers and baffle businesses - Spectrum Local News
- 'No Safe Spaces': DHS Says Illegal Migrants Working On ... - AOL
