Story perspectives

Noem's Controversial $100M ICE Recruitment Contract Sparks Outrage

3/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

Kristi Noem, Homeland Security Secretary, selected contractors for $100 million ICE recruitment campaign without bidding.
The decision followed internal communications and officials' accounts of controversies, including killings during immigration operations.
The recruitment campaign aimed to hire 10,000 ICE officers.
The contract went to firms tied to a $220 million self-deportation campaign.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced Noem's departure March 31 and named Sen. Markwayne Mullin to replace her.

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Story summary

Kristi Noem, Homeland Security Secretary, selected contractors for $100 million ICE recruitment campaign without bidding.
The decision followed internal communications and officials' accounts of controversies, including killings during immigration operations.
The recruitment campaign aimed to hire 10,000 ICE officers.
The contract went to firms tied to a $220 million self-deportation campaign.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced Noem's departure March 31 and named Sen. Markwayne Mullin to replace her.