Kristi Noem, DHS Secretary, in Arizona to visit U.S.-Mexico border

NOGALES, Ariz. - Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is in southern Arizona on Wednesday where she will visit the U.S.-Mexico border.

Noem arrived in Arizona on Feb. 3 where she landed at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

What they're saying:

Noem was joined by high-ranking Homeland Security officials during a news conference on Feb. 4, where she announced updates on the construction of the border wall.

During the event, Noem, on behalf of President Donald Trump, took credit for creating what she called "the most secure border in history."

Kristi Noem: DHS Secretary at Nogales

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited Nogales on Feb. 4, where she announced updates on the construction of a wall between the U.S. and Mexico.

"He told the American people what we needed. He said we needed a wall, and we have a wall, a big beautiful wall that President Trump also wanted painted black, so that it would endure for a long period of time," said Noem. "That it would look like the strength and stamina that American people have, and that it would be something that continues to protect us for generations to come."

Noem also said that since Trump took office, the flow of illegal fentanyl over the border has been cut in half and Border Patrol seized over 600,000 pounds of illicit drugs.

Local perspective:

Noem's visit to Arizona follows several high-profile incidents involving DHS and ICE. The agency also recently made a $70 million all-cash purchase of a warehouse in Surprise, a move that has drawn scrutiny.

Hundreds pack Surprise council meeting to protest DHS warehouse

Hundreds of residents gathered at a Surprise City Council meeting Tuesday night to debate the Department of Homeland Security’s recent $70 million cash purchase of a 418,000-square-foot warehouse. FOX 10's Taylor Wirtz has the story.

"That would probably be a detention facility then," Noem said of the purchase. "I’m not sure if that’s under contract yet or not. You know, President Trump made a promise to the American people to make our country safe again, that we’d enforce our laws, and people that are here in our country that are perpetuating crimes against American people would be brought to justice and be sent home."

ICE raids in the Valley

The administration has also faced protests following a recent immigration raid at several Zipps Sports Grill locations across the Valley. Some of the undocumented immigrants arrested in those raids claim they have no prior criminal records.

Hiring manager charged as investigation into Zipps deepens

Federal prosecutors said they filed charges against Diego Gonzalez-Rosales, 36, following a yearlong investigation into a "pattern and practice" of hiring unauthorized workers and identity theft at Zipps Sports Grill locations.