‘Totally False’: Trump Blasts Media Over ICE Coverage.

In 2025, Trump and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem ramp up enforcement against sanctuary jurisdictions, target media outlets for “false reporting,” and launch the CBP Home app for voluntary self-deportation. Legal threats, new tech, and DOJ coordination mark a chilling shift in press freedom and immigration control.

President Trump and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem have openly criticized media reporting on federal immigration enforcement, specifically ICE actions and U.S. strikes in Iran. This blog examines their legal maneuvers, efforts to hold the press accountable, the evolving landscape of immigration policies, and how new tech tools like CBP apps are changing the voluntary departure process for undocumented immigrants.

Back in early June, I heard a friend rant over coffee about a news cycle gone awry: politicians accusing major networks of misreporting national security operations, ICE raids fueling Twitter storms, and a new app promising to change how undocumented immigrants leave the country. It was the kind of conversation I half-expected to find in a dystopian novel, not on my morning newsfeed. As it turns out, President Trump, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, and the DOJ are running straight at the headlines—sometimes literally. Let’s untangle the legal drama, tech rollouts, and media brawls unfolding around ICE coverage in 2025.

Sanctuary Jurisdictions vs. Federal Law: The Ultimate Standoff

In 2025, the standoff between sanctuary jurisdictions and federal immigration law has reached a new peak. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), under Secretary Kristi Noem, has taken unprecedented steps to expose cities and counties resisting federal mandates. The agency now publishes lists of sanctuary jurisdictions, shining a spotlight on local governments that refuse to cooperate with immigration enforcement. This move, directed by President Trump’s executive order, is part of a broader push to hold these jurisdictions accountable and ensure public safety.

The DHS exposes sanctuary jurisdictions not just as a matter of policy, but as a matter of national security. Secretary Noem has made it clear that local leaders who shield undocumented immigrants—especially those with criminal records—are, in her words, “putting both law enforcement and everyday Americans at risk.” The department’s messaging is direct: sanctuary city politicians are being blamed for endangering Americans and undermining the rule of law.

‘Sanctuary jurisdictions defying federal law are putting both law enforcement and everyday Americans at risk.’ – Kristi Noem

Research shows that the DHS’s new approach includes accelerating fines and legal threats against non-compliant cities. In 2025, immediate fines for illegal entry or ignoring departure orders are now imposed without the previous 30-day notice period. This streamlined process is designed to send a clear message: non-compliance will have swift, tangible consequences. The elimination of the grace period is a direct response to what officials describe as a “crisis of accountability” among sanctuary jurisdictions.

Law enforcement safety concerns in 2025 are front-and-center in this debate. Officers are often caught in the crossfire between local ordinances and federal directives. Imagine, for a moment, a small-town sheriff in a sanctuary jurisdiction. Federal agents arrive, demanding cooperation for an immigration raid. Local laws say one thing; federal law says another. The sheriff faces a dilemma: uphold local policy and risk federal penalties, or aid the feds and face backlash from the community. This scenario is no longer hypothetical—it’s playing out in real time across the country.

Secretary Noem, as the public face of Homeland Security, has repeatedly pointed to local leaders she claims are protecting criminals. DHS exposes sanctuary jurisdictions by naming and shaming, arguing that these policies create safe havens for “dangerous criminal illegal aliens.” The department’s reports cite cases where individuals with violent records were released due to sanctuary policies, only to reoffend. While critics argue that these examples are rare, the administration insists that even one preventable crime is too many.

Recent policy changes have further intensified the standoff. The DHS, in coordination with the Department of Justice (DOJ), has announced that fines for illegal entry and ignoring removal orders now move faster than ever. There is no longer a 30-day grace period; penalties are immediate. This is part of a broader effort to enforce immigration laws more strictly in 2025 and to deter jurisdictions from defying federal authority.

The legal battle is not limited to immigration enforcement. President Trump and Secretary Noem have also targeted media coverage of these issues. Trump has publicly blasted media outlets, accusing them of spreading “totally false” reports about ICE operations and U.S. military actions abroad. He has pursued lawsuits against major networks, including CBS and ABC, and has even suggested possible prosecution for what he calls illegal reporting. The administration’s stance is clear: misinformation about immigration enforcement is seen as a threat to both public safety and national security.

Meanwhile, Noem has promoted new tools like the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Home app, which encourages undocumented immigrants to register and coordinate their departure from the United States. The app offers forgiveness of civil fines for those who comply, aiming to streamline the process and reduce the burden on law enforcement. However, critics argue that such measures do little to address the root causes of non-compliance among sanctuary jurisdictions.

As DHS exposes sanctuary jurisdictions and accelerates enforcement, the clash between federal authority and local autonomy continues to shape the national conversation. Law enforcement safety concerns, legal threats, and public accountability remain at the heart of this ultimate standoff over immigration laws enforcement in 2025.

Media Under Fire: Prosecuting Journalists for Iran and Immigration Reporting

The debate over media accountability has reached a new level, with President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem openly advocating for legal action against major news outlets. Their campaign focuses on what they call “totally false” reporting—especially coverage of the U.S. strike in Iran and recent ICE enforcement efforts. At the heart of the controversy: the push for the Department of Justice (DOJ) to coordinate prosecution, with CNN and other networks in the crosshairs.

Trump and Noem Want CNN Prosecuted: The Claims and the Fallout

President Trump has made it clear—he believes some media reports on the Iran strike and immigration enforcement were not just inaccurate, but potentially criminal. In a recent press briefing, Trump stated:

“They may very well be prosecuted for that. What they did there, we think, is totally illegal.”

Trump doubled down, referencing reports that questioned the success of the Iran operation. He insisted, “The pilots came home, they said we hit the target quickly. So they may very well be prosecuted for that.” The message: the administration is not just challenging the facts, but the very right of the press to report them without facing legal consequences.

Department of Justice Coordination: Prosecution on the Table

What makes this moment different is the explicit coordination between the Department of Justice and Homeland Security. Secretary Noem confirmed that her department has been working with the DOJ, and attorney Pam Bondi, to assess possible prosecution of journalists for Iran reporting. This DOJ coordination prosecution CNN effort signals a willingness to test the legal boundaries of press freedom in the United States.

Research shows that media accountability is becoming a political flashpoint. Trump and Noem’s calls for DOJ coordination prosecution CNN are not just about correcting the record—they are about setting a precedent for how the government can respond to reporting it deems harmful or inaccurate.

Legal Actions and High-Profile Lawsuits

The push to prosecute journalists for Iran reporting comes on the heels of several high-stakes lawsuits. Trump has already launched legal actions against major broadcasters, including CBS/Paramount Global over a “60 Minutes” interview and a separate $15 million settlement with ABC News regarding a civil court report. These cases highlight the administration’s broader strategy: using both civil and potential criminal proceedings to hold media organizations accountable.

• 2025: Trump and Noem demand DOJ review CNN’s immigration/Iran coverage
• $15 million ABC settlement in civil dispute (separate)

The legal landscape is shifting. While civil lawsuits have long been a tool for public figures to challenge media narratives, the current push for criminal prosecution—especially DOJ coordination prosecution CNN—marks a significant escalation.

Press Credentials and Government Oversight: A Wild Card?

As the administration presses forward, some observers are asking: What comes next? Imagine a world where press credentials come with a government audit button—where every major report could trigger an official review, or even prosecution. While this scenario may sound far-fetched, the current rhetoric and legal maneuvers suggest it’s not entirely out of the question.

The Trump and Noem campaign to prosecute journalists for Iran reporting is already having ripple effects. Newsrooms are reassessing their legal exposure, and some journalists worry that aggressive government oversight could chill investigative reporting—especially on sensitive national security and immigration issues.

National Security, Immigration, and the Media’s Role

Secretary Noem has also promoted new tools for immigration enforcement, like a Customs and Border Protection app that allows undocumented immigrants to register and coordinate their departure. At the same time, the administration accuses some sanctuary jurisdictions of endangering law enforcement and the public by defying federal immigration laws. These policy moves are deeply intertwined with the media narrative—and the administration’s desire to control it.

In this climate, the line between holding journalists accountable and infringing on press freedom is under intense scrutiny. Trump and Noem want CNN prosecuted, but their broader aim is to reshape the relationship between the government, the media, and the public’s right to know.

As legal experts and civil liberties groups watch closely, one thing is clear: the stakes for both journalism and democracy have rarely been higher.

New Tech, New Tactics: The CBP Home App and Voluntary Self-Deportation

The landscape of immigration enforcement in the United States is changing rapidly, and nowhere is this more evident than in the recent rollout of the Customs and Border Protection app for immigrants. Known as the CBP Home app, this new digital tool is designed to let undocumented immigrants register and coordinate their voluntary departure from the country. The app’s introduction marks a significant shift in how federal agencies approach immigration compliance, blending technology with policy in a way that is both innovative and, for some, controversial.

The CBP Home app self-deportation process is straightforward. Undocumented immigrants can use the app to self-register, schedule their departure, and, in many cases, have civil fines waived if they comply with voluntary departure orders. This approach offers a “carrot” rather than a “stick”—a marked contrast to the traditional, often disruptive, enforcement tactics like workplace raids or home arrests. As one immigration lawyer quipped, “Now even deportation gets a push notification.” This blend of digital convenience and enforcement is emblematic of the new era of immigration policy, where compassion and compliance are increasingly mediated through technology.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has been a vocal proponent of the CBP Home app, emphasizing its role in promoting voluntary compliance and self-deportation. “We’re using technology to make compliance achievable and humane,” Noem stated, underscoring the department’s goal to streamline the process and reduce the need for physical enforcement. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have coordinated closely on this initiative, aiming to reduce the undocumented population without resorting to large-scale raids or detentions.

The policy shift is not just about convenience; it’s also about incentives. Research shows that app adoption offers a real benefit for those who choose to self-remove: no fines for those who comply under the new app policies. This forgiveness of civil fines is a significant motivator, especially as the government has eliminated the previous 30-day notification requirement for voluntary departure. Now, immediate removal and fine waivers are available for users who register and depart through the app, signaling a tougher but more tech-integrated approach.

This strategy is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to address sanctuary jurisdictions and enforce federal immigration laws more strictly. Both President Donald Trump and Secretary Noem have voiced concerns about threats to law enforcement safety, particularly in areas where local authorities refuse to cooperate with federal agencies. The new app is seen as a way to encourage voluntary compliance, reduce the strain on law enforcement, and hold sanctuary cities accountable for their policies.

It’s worth noting that the CBP Home app is not without its critics. Some argue that it represents another enforcement lever, cloaked in the language of digital convenience and compassion. Others see it as a pragmatic solution that acknowledges the realities of modern immigration enforcement, where data-driven, digital-first methods are increasingly the norm. The elimination of the 30-day notification policy, for example, signals a willingness to move quickly and decisively, but it also raises questions about due process and the rights of undocumented immigrants.

The context for these changes is complex. In 2025, the CBP released the Home app as part of a broader strategy to streamline immigration enforcement. At the same time, the administration has pursued legal action against media outlets for what it claims are “totally false” reports on immigration and national security issues. President Trump has not hesitated to criticize the press, and both he and Noem have supported DOJ efforts to prosecute what they describe as illegal or misleading reporting. This climate of heightened scrutiny and rapid policy change underscores the importance of understanding the real-world impact of new tools like the CBP Home app.

In the end, the CBP Home app stands at the intersection of technology, policy, and enforcement. Whether it is viewed as a compassionate innovation or a new enforcement lever, it is clear that the app is reshaping how undocumented immigrants interact with the U.S. immigration system. As the government continues to refine its approach, the question remains: is this the future of humane compliance, or simply a more efficient way to enforce the law? Only time—and the experiences of those who use the app—will tell.

TL;DR: Trump and Kristi Noem are doubling down on legal action against media outlets for their reporting on ICE operations and Iran, with new tech tools and stricter immigration enforcement policies reshaping the conversation around undocumented departures and law enforcement safety.

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