Secretary Noem visits Texas-Mexico border for first time

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem visited Del Rio, Texas, on her first trip to the U.S.-Mexico border since her confirmation. During her visit, she met with Customs and Border Protection officials to review security operations in a region that has been a focal point for border security discussions. Noem emphasized her commitment to addressing what she termed an 'invasion' at the border, echoing rhetoric often used by former President Trump. Her visit coincides with the Pentagon's plans to deploy approximately 500 additional service members to bolster border security. Critics have raised concerns over her acceptance of funding from private donors to support National Guard deployments, amid ongoing debates about the state's management of border security. The trip highlights Noem's role in executing Trump's immigration policies and the heightened attention on border issues as state leaders seek more federal support.