Story perspectives

Kristi Noem Faces Backlash Amid Shutdown and Controversy

2/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

Kristi Noem (DHS Secretary) faces criticism amid a partial government shutdown and reports of a toxic work culture.
Polls show voters support reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and say Noem should be removed.
Internally, Noem's confrontational immigration approach has alienated Trump supporters, including Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott.
A DHS website listing "Worst of the Worst" undocumented migrants contained errors, raising concerns about misleading public messaging.

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Story summary

Kristi Noem (DHS Secretary) faces criticism amid a partial government shutdown and reports of a toxic work culture.
Polls show voters support reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and say Noem should be removed.
Internally, Noem's confrontational immigration approach has alienated Trump supporters, including Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott.
A DHS website listing "Worst of the Worst" undocumented migrants contained errors, raising concerns about misleading public messaging.