Kristi Noem Faces White House Scrutiny Over Deportation Totals. Reports say Noem and adviser Corey Lewandowski have blamed acting ICE Director Todd Lyons and CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott for shortfalls in deportation numbers, contributing to a tense atmosphere inside DHS. Sources suggest Noem could be replaced early next year, though the White House denies she has fallen out of favor. Staffers report heightened concern after claims Lewandowski monitored agency emails.
White House Pressure Over Deportations Spurs Blame Game at DHS, Sources Say
Photo Illustration by Victoria Sunday/The Daily Beast/Getty Images
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has reportedly shifted responsibility for lagging deportation figures onto agency leaders as frustration from the White House mounts, several news outlets say.
Mounting Pressure and Internal Finger-Pointing
According to NBC News, Noem — who is said to be "on thin ice" with President Trump — and close adviser Corey Lewandowski have publicly pointed to acting ICE Director Todd Lyons and Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott as explanations for any shortfalls in removal numbers. The reports say the exchanges have contributed to tension inside the Department of Homeland Security.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem earned the moniker “ICE Barbie” for her camera-ready immigration crackdowns. / Pool / Getty Images
Deportation Numbers and Tactics
Deportations are a central element of the administration's immigration policy, but official removal totals have reportedly fallen below White House targets as President Trump approaches the end of the first year of his second term. Reporters say Noem has sought to increase figures by prioritizing migrants arrested for traffic violations and other relatively minor offenses, a tactic that critics argue inflates totals without addressing larger enforcement goals.
Personnel Rumors and Possible Shake-Up
Press coverage linking White House dissatisfaction with Noem to her reported close relationship with Lewandowski has fueled speculation about her future. MS NOW reported that White House sources expect Noem could be replaced early next year, with outgoing Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin mentioned as a potential successor and senior adviser Stephen Miller reportedly leading efforts to remove her.
Kristi Noem and
Workplace Morale and Email Monitoring Concerns
Multiple DHS staffers told NBC News the environment inside the department has become strained. Commissioner Scott reportedly told colleagues that Lewandowski had been monitoring his emails, prompting worry among leaders about written communications.
"Everyone in leadership is so worried about what they say in email and text," one staffer told NBC News. In another account to The Bulwark, a staffer described the situation more bleakly: "Things are f---ed. It's horrible, they're going to destroy this place. I'm just hoping the new secretary gets here in time."
White House Response
The White House has publicly denied that Noem has fallen out of favor. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson told the Daily Beast that "President Trump has assembled the most talented and capable cabinet in American history," and that "Secretary Noem is doing a great job implementing the President's agenda and making America safe again."
Noem faced a Capitol Hill grilling on Thursday. / Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images
President Trump also appeared to reject reports of displeasure, telling reporters: "I read a story recently that I'm unhappy with Kristi — I'm so happy with her... We have a border that's the best border in the history of our country. Why would I be unhappy? She's fantastic, actually."
What This Means
Reported disagreements over deportation strategy and the resulting internal turmoil at DHS highlight the operational and political pressures of implementing immigration policy. If personnel changes occur, they could affect enforcement priorities and morale across the agencies responsible for border security and removals.
