Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin's office has directed U.S. Customs and Border Protection to remove any remaining videos of former Secretary Kristi Noem playing at airports and other ports of entry, according to an email obtained by HuffPost. The email, sent last week, stated: “If so, please kindly remove them as soon as possible and provide confirmation of removal.”
Noem's Controversial Tenure
Noem served as the public face of President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown until bipartisan backlash led to her firing on March 5. She remained in the role until Mullin, a former U.S. senator from Oklahoma, was confirmed as her successor on March 25. During her tenure, Noem frequently appeared in public service announcement-style videos at customs and Transportation Security Administration checkpoints.
Partisan Videos and Hatch Act Violations
One TSA video aired in October 2025 blamed Democrats in Congress for a government shutdown that snarled security lines. Ethics experts said the video violated the Hatch Act, which prohibits federal employees from engaging in partisan political activity in an official capacity. Some airports refused to air the spot. Noem also faced controversy over a $200 million government-funded advertising campaign featuring her on horseback in a cowboy hat, touting tough immigration policies. She testified under oath that Trump approved the spending, some of which went to a Republican consulting firm with close ties to her.
Other Controversial Appearances
In March 2025, Noem toured the Terrorism Confinement Center in El Salvador, addressing the camera while tattooed inmates stood behind her. She warned potential undocumented immigrants: “This is one of the consequences you could face.” During the visit, she wore a $50,000 Rolex watch. HuffPost described her as “the Kim Kardashian of the show” of Trump's immigration enforcement reality.
Mullin's Changes and Continuing Deportations
Mullin has moved away from some of Noem's most contentious policies, such as purchasing industrial warehouses for mass immigrant detention centers. However, the administration's deportation campaign continues. The New York Times reported last week that Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained more than 10,000 people over five days as part of a “major surge,” arresting individuals at check-ins, traffic stops, and on the street.
DHS did not respond Monday when asked if Noem's videos remain in airports. Noem's tenure was also marred by the fatal shootings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minnesota.
