Protesters interrupt US Homeland Security chief’s opening statement at House hearing

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - Protesters interrupted US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem as she delivered her opening statement at a House hearing Thursday.

“Stop ICE raids! The power of Christ compels you. End deportations! The power of Christ compels you!” a protester, dressed as a Catholic cardinal, shouted when Noem started speaking to the House Homeland Security Committee.

He was holding a "Stop ICE raids" sign, calling for an end to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency.

Committee Chairman Andrew Garbarino said, "Audience members are advised to take their seats and maintain order. The chairman may now ask Capitol Police to remove and arrest the persons creating the disturbance.”

Another protester shouted, “Get ICE off our streets. Stop terrorizing our communities," while holding a "No ICE troops" sign.

Both protesters were escorted from the hearing room by Capitol Police.

The Trump administration has faced criticism for its immigration policies, including accusations of using violent tactics and seeking to deport longstanding, law-abiding US residents. Critics have said orders for thousands of daily detentions have contributed to the scale and intensity of the crackdown on immigration.