DHS Secretary Noem Faces Protests During South Dakota Honorary Degree Ceremony

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem faced protests and heckling as she received an honorary doctorate at Dakota State University, amid criticism of her role in enforcing the Trump administration's hardline immigration and mass deportation policies. Protesters and some students expressed strong opposition to her selection as commencement speaker, citing constitutional concerns and the university's disregard for community input. Simultaneously, in South Dakota, Priya Saxena, an Indian student targeted by Noem's department for deportation over a four-year-old misdemeanor, was honored with her doctorate and master's degrees at South Dakota Mines, receiving cheers from the audience. Saxena sued the Department of Homeland Security, arguing that her misdemeanor was disclosed and not grounds for deportation; a judge recently ruled in her favor, temporarily blocking her deportation and allowing her to attend the ceremony. The contrasting receptions of Noem and Saxena at separate graduation events highlighted the tensions around immigration enforcement and academic recognition in the state. Noem's honorary degree and actions as DHS Secretary remain highly controversial among local communities and advocacy groups.