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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is reportedly causing discontent among some Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) officials through her highly publicized approach to managing the department.
Insiders from the Department of Homeland Security have expressed concerns that Noem’s social media activity may have compromised an ICE operation that took place in New York City in January. This operation was targeted for a coordinated raid, and Noem’s social media post during the operation reportedly diminished its effectiveness, according to the Wall Street Journal reports.
In a post made early in the morning on January 28, Noem showcased her involvement with ICE, saying, “We are doing this right – doing exactly what President @realDonaldTrump promised the American people – making our streets safe. Live this AM from NYC. I’m on it.” Accompanied by a photo of her in an ICE baseball cap, this post was criticized for “undercutting the element of surprise” related to the operation.
According to those familiar with the situation, this social media activity may have led to a less successful outcome in terms of arrests during the operation. While ICE officials stated that the raid was close to completion at the time of Noem’s posting, the aftermath indicated that fewer arrests were made than originally expected.
Amidst these concerns, Noem is actively promoting President Donald Trump’s aggressive stance on immigration policy. Under her leadership, the Department of Homeland Security has initiated a $200 million advertising campaign aimed at urging undocumented immigrants to “leave now.” She has also participated in photo opportunities in notable settings, such as a maximum-security prison in El Salvador and within the cockpit of a Coast Guard aircraft.
Images of Noem engaging with horseback riding have also been displayed prominently within various offices of the department, according to the Journal.
During her initial day in the department, she hosted a town hall meeting where she introduced herself with a lively entrance to the song “Hot Mama” by Trace Adkins, signaling a focus on creating an engaging atmosphere.
Despite the reported criticisms from certain staff members regarding her media-centric tactics, the strategy appears to be yielding results, with department representatives claiming that Noem’s visibility in the anti-immigration campaign is effective.
In a supportive statement, Tricia McLaughlin, the department’s chief spokesperson stated, “The world is hearing Secretary Noem’s message loud and clear: The border is at its most secure in American history and border encounters are at record lows. Criminal aliens are staying out and migrants are turning back before they ever reach our borders.”
Recently, Noem faced criticism for a concerning video where she pointed a rifle dangerously close to an officer’s face, further igniting discussions about her approach to leadership and communication.
In the video, she is seen flanked by two ICE officers while she wields a weapon, stating her intent to join an operation targeting a suspect linked to human trafficking: “We earlier had an op that swept up somebody that was wanted for murder. So appreciate the good work that they do every day, and we appreciate them working to make America safe.”
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