Full Breakdown
DHS Seeks Removal of Kristi Noem Videos from Airports
7/8/2026, 4:49:22 AM
Immediate Directive: Deleting Noem Videos at Ports of Entry
Secretary Markwayne Mullin asked U.S. Customs and Border Protection to locate and delete any videos featuring former DHS secretary Kristi Noem playing at airports. The request, sent last week, cited a video filmed in October that blamed Democrats for a shutdown that left TSA employees without pay. The email demanded removal “as soon as possible” and confirmation.
Background, Leadership Change, and Timeline
Kristi Noem, appointed by President Donald Trump, oversaw a $220 million ad campaign featuring her on a horse near Mount Rushmore and a crackdown that produced fatalities and injuries. In March 2024 Trump dismissed Noem; Oklahoma senator Markwayne Mullin was sworn in on March 25 and ordered removal of Noem’s branding, including “Protect the Homeland” vehicle markings and “glamor shots,” while scaling back detention warehouses and restoring ICE training.
Quantitative Context
The ad cost $220 million; about 2,500 ICE vehicles bore “Protect the Homeland” markings; ICE detained over 10,000 people in a five-day surge in early July. The campaign featured Noem riding a horse near Mount Rushmore, drawing intense scrutiny.
Significance and Policy Shift
Deleting Noem’s videos marks a shift from overt political messaging to a discreet enforcement model. Airports cite Hatch Act violations. Mullin halted detention warehouses, restored ICE training, and pursued “quieter and smarter” operations to meet deportation goals without public spectacles.
Official Statements & Responses
Mullin’s office framed the email as a routine compliance check for discreet branding. DHS has not commented. Airport officials said the Noem video violated the Hatch Act. Mullin also ordered removal of “Protect the Homeland” branding from about 2,500 ICE vehicles.
Criticism & Opposition
Lawmakers called the $220 million ad wasteful and criticized Noem’s enforcement that caused civilian deaths. They also objected to erasing her branding and the display of “glamor shots” in federal facilities, warning it could rewrite departmental history and disrupt operations.
On-the-Ground Reports
Airport staff halted the Noem video during the shutdown, citing Hatch Act concerns. CBP walls displaying Noem’s “glamor shots” were removed, and ICE vehicles are being repainted. The PSA-style video had aired at multiple airports before the stop.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Source reliability varies; DHS has not released an official count of remaining Noem videos. The total number of videos still in circulation and the timeline for complete removal remain unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If so, please kindly remove them as soon as possible and provide confirmation of removal,” — Markwayne Mullin’s office
- “Airports said the video violated the Hatch Act, which prohibits civilian federal employees from engaging in partisan activities.” — Airport officials
- “served us well, and has had numerous and spectacular results,” — Donald Trump
- “It’s by design,” — Source familiar with DHS strategic discussions (Politico)
What’s Next
Mullin will audit DHS media assets, finish removing branded ICE vehicles, and refine detention policies. An audit is slated for August, with removal actions expected to conclude by year-end, and guidance on political content is anticipated.
