Washington, Jan 16 (AHN) US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has defended federal immigration enforcement actions in Minneapolis and other cities, insisting that officers were acting "according to the law" and following long-standing protocols, even as protests and criticism mounted over the Trump administration's mass deportation drive.

Speaking to reporters in a White House driveway gaggle after a television appearance on Thursday, Noem said Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers were operating within legal bounds and had repeatedly prevailed in court challenges.

"Every single action that our ICE officers take is according to the law and following protocols that we have used for years, that this administration has used, that the previous administration used," she added.

"They are doing everything correctly, and over and over again in litigation, in the courts, we've proven that they've done the right (thing)," Noem said.

Asked about unrest in Minneapolis, Noem confirmed she had discussed the potential use of the Insurrection Act with President Donald Trump, but said she did not know whether he would invoke it.

She said operations in Minnesota were being conducted in the same manner as earlier deportation actions in other states.

"We had a very different response because we had leaders that were working with us," Noem said, referring to Louisiana and Florida.

"We would wish that (Minnesota) Governor (Tim) Walz would take an example from the Governor of Louisiana (Jeff Landry), the Governor of Florida (Ron DeSantis), and work with us to do the right thing."

Responding to queries about reports of Americans being asked on the street to show proof of US citizenship, Noem rejected claims of broad or random checks, saying enforcement remained targeted.

"In every situation we're doing targeted enforcement," she said.

"If we are on a target and doing an operation, there may be individuals surrounding that criminal that we may be asking who they are and why they're there."

She added that if individuals were found to be violating federal law, "we will detain them as well until we run that process."

On the safety and conduct of federal personnel, Noem said officers involved in deportation operations were "very highly trained and skilled", and were often tasked with pursuing dangerous suspects.

"Many times they're going after murderers, they're going after professionals and gangs and terrorists that are here in our country illegally," she added.

The Homeland Security Secretary also declined to provide details on US monitoring of oil-carrying vessels linked to Venezuela, citing operational sensitivities.

She said the US administration was watching the movement of what she described as a "shadow fleet" involved in transporting unauthorised oil to evade sanctions.

"I'm very proud of our Coast Guard and how they partnered with the Department of War to do unprecedented actions," Noem said, describing efforts to bring such vessels under US jurisdiction.

He added that she regularly reviews videos of Department of Homeland Security operations and keeps President Trump informed, noting that the department "is very busy" with domestic enforcement and maritime missions.

She placed responsibility for the current immigration situation squarely on the previous administration.

"The only reason we're in this situation is that the Biden administration allowed 20 million people to come into this country. Unvetted," Noem said, warning of criminal gangs and terrorist threats exploiting what she called an open border.