The F.B.I. issued an unusual, biting rejoinder to a cabinet secretary on Friday, saying that her remarks accusing the bureau of corruption were “deeply irresponsible.”
The pushback from one federal agency to another came after the secretary, Kristi Noem of the Homeland Security Department, suggested this week that F.B.I. special agents leaked details ahead of immigration arrests being conducted on the West Coast.
“The F.B.I. is so corrupt. We will work with any and every agency to stop leaks and prosecute these crooked deep state agents to the fullest extent of the law,” Ms. Noem posted on social media on Sunday.
Attorney General Pam Bondi subsequently said there would be an investigation into the issue.
In a statement on Friday, the F.B.I. assailed the suggestion that it had done anything but help the immigration enforcement agency.
“Making unfounded allegations calling F.B.I. agents corrupt is deeply irresponsible and has not been supported by any evidence to date,” the statement said, noting that the remarks, which included no evidence, “undermine the men and women of the F.B.I.”
Immigration is a crucial element of President Trump’s agenda and federal agents have begun enforcement operations across the country, including in Chicago and New York. To carry out some of the work, the administration has enlisted federal law enforcement, including the F.B.I.
The post F.B.I. Calls D.H.S. Secretary’s Criticism ‘Deeply Irresponsible’ appeared first on New York Times.
