Department of Homeland Security (Department of Homeland SecuritySecretary of State Kristi Noem on Saturday praised the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) comprehensive operations at Miami International Airport, saying the efforts play a critical role in protecting the nation’s transportation network.

Noem told a news conference at the airport that Transportation Security Administration officials blocked more More than 10,000 people Suspected of narco-terrorism links due to travel over the past year. She added that another 85,000 people with terrorism ties or on a U.S. terrorism watch list were also prevented from boarding.

“Last year, the airport stopped more than 10,000 people with narco-terrorism ties and 85,000 people with similar ties to terrorists and those on U.S. watch lists,” Noem said.

Noem also highlighted Miami International Airport’s human trafficking unit, which conducted more than 2,200 inspections in the past year. These efforts resulted in the arrest of 24 individuals in connection with child exploitation.

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On January 31, 2026, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem held a press conference at Miami International Airport in Florida. (Joe Reddell/Getty Images)

Noem said the department also seized 85 firearms from travelers, 82 of which were found loaded.

“The work they do to keep people safe is incredible, and that’s the mission the Department of Homeland Security seeks to accomplish every day,” Noem said.

Miami International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, employing more than 1,700 TSA officers and serving an average of 70,000 passengers daily. Officials have recently screened nearly The number of tourists in a single day reaches 100,000setting a new record on January 4. Noem said the airport will handle more than 25 million passengers in 2025.

As travel continues to surge, Noem pointed to a $9 billion airport modernization project aimed at increasing security. TSA will contribute $100 million to this effort, and DHS has previously announced a $1 billion investment nationwide to upgrade security technology.

Planned upgrades include an expanded canine unit, advanced computed tomography scanners and enhanced imaging systems.

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

Noem said that as the United States prepares for major global events, including the upcoming fifa world cup.

“This billion dollars will ensure that we continue to keep America safe,” Noem said.

During the event, Noem was also asked about the potential release of body camera footage involving Alex Pretti. Alex Pretty, a 37-year-old ICU nurse and licensed concealed carrier, was killed this month during an immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota.

“The FBI is leading the investigation and it will be at their discretion as the investigation progresses,” she said.

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

Addressing the impending expiration of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians, Noem said the program was never intended to be permanent and accused the Biden administration of abusing the program.

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“Any individual from a country where TPS is expiring has an opportunity to appeal and have other programs considered for which they may be eligible, and they have several months to do that,” Noem said. “They should contact the State Department, they should contact the Department of Homeland Security and we will help them.”

The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.