Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has been at the forefront of several significant developments in the last few days, reflecting her commitment to stringent border security, enhanced cybersecurity, and strict enforcement of immigration laws.
In her recent confirmation hearing on January 25, 2025, Secretary Noem emphasized the critical importance of cybersecurity, highlighting the need to improve cybersecurity-related infrastructure. She warned about the vulnerabilities in U.S. government systems, critical infrastructure, and small businesses, particularly citing alleged hacking incidents by China. Noem plans to leverage private-public partnerships to deploy advanced cybersecurity technologies to address these threats[1].
On the issue of border security, Secretary Noem reiterated that it must remain a top priority. She stressed the importance of the wall on the southern border and the need for significant investments in new technologies such as scanners and satellites on both the northern and southern borders. This approach is part of a broader strategy to empower law enforcement and protect Americans from illegal activities, including those by criminal aliens such as murderers and rapists[1][2].
Noem also addressed the humanitarian parole program, which has been a subject of controversy. The Trump Administration has ended the broad abuse of this program, returning it to a case-by-case basis. This move aims to prevent the indiscriminate entry of migrants, as seen during the Biden Administration, where 1.5 million migrants were allowed into the country. The new directives ensure that ICE and CBP will phase out any parole programs not in accordance with the law[2].
In addition to these policy changes, Secretary Noem has been actively involved in other initiatives. She announced a nationwide and international ad campaign warning illegal aliens to self-deport and stay out of the United States, emphasizing that those who do not comply will face deportation and be barred from returning[4].
Noem has also taken a firm stance on internal misconduct within DHS agencies. She addressed the indictment of a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer accused of human smuggling and drug trafficking, and she oversaw the termination of four FEMA employees who made unauthorized payments for luxury hotels for migrants[4].
Furthermore, Secretary Noem has been involved in implementing President Trump’s Executive Order on "Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government." According to this order, DHS will end all agency programs that use taxpayer money to promote or reflect gender ideology[4].
In her ongoing efforts to secure the borders, Noem recently visited the southern border to meet with Border Patrol agents and ensure that Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) has the necessary resources to stop the flow of criminals and drugs into the United States. She also observed DHS security operations for Super Bowl LIX, where over 690 DHS employees were deployed to protect the event[4].
These actions and policies underscore Secretary Noem's commitment to enhancing national security, enforcing immigration laws rigorously, and protecting American communities from various threats.
