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Controversy Erupts Over Noem's $220M Immigration Ad

11/16/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On October 2, during a government shutdown, Kristi Noem filmed a Mount Rushmore ad promoting a $220 million campaign against illegal immigration.
The Strategy Group produced the ad and has ties to Noem's aides, with prior state funding for similar projects.
Critics say bidding was bypassed and call for investigations into contracting practices and financial ties, despite the Department of Homeland Security's impartiality claims.

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Story summary

On October 2, during a government shutdown, Kristi Noem filmed a Mount Rushmore ad promoting a $220 million campaign against illegal immigration.
The Strategy Group produced the ad and has ties to Noem's aides, with prior state funding for similar projects.
Critics say bidding was bypassed and call for investigations into contracting practices and financial ties, despite the Department of Homeland Security's impartiality claims.