Kristi Noem, ex-Secretary of Homeland Security (2025-26), is back in headlines amid US immigration policy debates and political drama.
As of Saturday, a partial US government shutdown began after Democrats and the White House failed to agree on funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The impasse centers on Democrats' demands for stricter immigration enforcement reforms following fatal shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis. Essential DHS operations continue without pay, affecting agencies like TSA and FEMA, while negotiations remain stalled.
Chicago's annual snowplow naming contest crowned 'Abolish ICE' as the top choice, reflecting ongoing tensions over immigration enforcement. The name, which garnered 70% of votes, is a political statement following ICE operations in the city last fall. The winning name will appear on a city snowplow during winter storms. The contest, now in its fourth year, saw over 13,300 submissions, with the top entries often referencing local or political themes. Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed pride in the civic participation, while critics note the name's provocative nature amid ongoing immigration debates. The city maintains a fleet of over 300 snow trucks and 400,000 tons of salt to manage winter weather. The story highlights Chicago's use of a lighthearted contest to engage residents on serious political issues, with the name 'Abolish ICE' serving as a pointed critique of federal immigration policies.
As of March 17, 2026, the Trump administration is intensifying efforts to pressure Cuba's communist government through legal, economic, and diplomatic means. A new DOJ working group in Florida is building criminal cases against Cuban officials, potentially paving the way for actions similar to the recent capture of Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro. Cuba signals openness to foreign investment amid severe economic crisis worsened by US sanctions.
U.S. federal courts have temporarily blocked the Trump administration's efforts to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians and Somalis. Judges cited constitutional concerns and the potential for grave risks to affected migrants. The rulings preserve protections for thousands pending further legal proceedings, amid ongoing debates over immigration policy and national interests.
On March 5, 2026, President Donald Trump announced the firing of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, effective March 31. Noem, criticized for her handling of immigration enforcement, a $220 million ad campaign, and the deaths of two US citizens during federal operations, will be replaced by Senator Markwayne Mullin. Noem will become special envoy for the new "Shield of the Americas" security initiative.
The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to expedite cases challenging the Trump administration's efforts to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for migrants from Haiti, Syria, and other countries. Lower courts delayed these terminations, but the court's decision could allow the administration to proceed with deportations affecting hundreds of thousands.
As of March 24, 2026, President Trump has replaced Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem with Senator Markwayne Mullin, signaling a shift from mass deportations to targeting violent criminals. This follows public backlash over aggressive immigration tactics and fatal shootings by federal agents. Polls show mixed voter support, with some favoring broad deportations and others opposing ICE's methods. States are pushing back against federal election interference fears.
The House passed a DHS funding bill through September 30, with some Democrats supporting it. The Senate rejected it, citing disagreements over immigration enforcement and recent shootings. The shutdown affects thousands of federal workers and critical security operations amid rising tensions over Iran and domestic safety.
Homeland Security Secretary Kirsti Noem was removed after controversy over a $220 million ad campaign linked to no-bid contracts and close ties to her adviser Lewandowski. New evidence suggests President Trump was involved in approving the campaign, contradicting his earlier denials. Investigations into contract processes are ongoing.
As of April 3, 2026, the US Department of Homeland Security remains partially unfunded since February 14, causing over 100,000 DHS employees, including TSA workers, to go unpaid. The shutdown has led to severe staffing shortages at airports, with TSA officers resigning and calling out sick, resulting in long security lines and missed flights. President Trump deployed paid ICE agents to assist TSA with crowd control, but congressional deadlock over DHS funding and immigration enforcement reforms continues, prolonging travel disruptions nationwide.
Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin purchased Chevron stock in late 2025, shortly before President Trump attacked Venezuela, where Chevron operates. His trades, part of frequent stock activity, raise questions amid his upcoming confirmation as Homeland Security Secretary. The story highlights concerns over conflicts of interest and congressional trading practices.
Senator Markwayne Mullin has been confirmed as the new head of the Department of Homeland Security, replacing Kristi Noem. His appointment occurs during ongoing funding disputes and controversy over immigration enforcement, including recent police shootings. Mullin aims to reduce DHS's public profile and focus on homeland security efforts.
The Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General is investigating contracts linked to Kristi Noem, focusing on a $220 million ad campaign and possible misuse of funds. The inquiry faces obstacles, including alleged White House interference. Noem and associates deny wrongdoing. The investigation is ongoing as of today, March 27, 2026.
Costa Rica has signed a non-binding agreement with the US to accept third-party deportees, part of a broader effort by the US to relocate migrants to countries in Africa and the Americas. The deal allows Costa Rica to accept or reject transfers, with concerns over migrant safety and human rights criticisms. The agreement follows previous controversial deportations and aims to facilitate US immigration enforcement.
Kristi Noem visited Guyana with Corey Lewandowski, raising questions about her role and relationships. Despite her recent DHS ouster, she continues Latin America diplomacy as a special envoy, amid scrutiny over her travel, Lewandowski's presence, and a controversial US-funded ad campaign.
Jimmy Kimmel criticized newly confirmed Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, a former plumber and MMA fighter, for his background, suggesting it was unqualified. The story highlights the controversy over Mullin's appointment and the political reactions, including praise from Donald Trump and criticism from others. The story is current as of today, Fri, 27 Mar 2026.
President Trump has issued an executive order directing the Department of Homeland Security to compile lists of eligible voters and barring the U.S. Postal Service from sending absentee ballots to anyone not on these lists. The order aims to restrict mail-in voting ahead of the November midterms but faces multiple legal challenges citing constitutional overreach and risks of voter disenfranchisement. The American Postal Workers Union has launched a campaign defending mail voting, emphasizing its safety and efficiency.
Since early April 2026, the US has begun deporting migrants to third countries including Costa Rica, Congo, and Uganda under new agreements. These deals, funded by the US, allow deportations of migrants whose home countries refuse them. The arrangements face criticism over legality, human rights, and the involvement of repressive governments, with legal challenges underway in Uganda.
On April 2, 2026, President Donald Trump dismissed Attorney General Pam Bondi after 14 months, citing frustrations over her handling of Jeffrey Epstein files and failed prosecutions of his political opponents. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, Trump's former personal lawyer, was named acting attorney general. Bondi will transition to a private sector role.
The Department of Homeland Security, led by Secretary Markwayne Mullin, is exploring the possibility of removing customs processing services from sanctuary cities with international airports. This move aims to pressure jurisdictions that do not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, potentially disrupting international travel and affecting major airports like SFO and LAX. The proposal has drawn criticism from California officials and immigration advocates.
Bryon Noem, husband of former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, has been exposed for engaging in a cross-dressing fetish community, sending explicit messages and payments to women online since 2020. The scandal has prompted widespread local and political reactions, with questions about privacy and public image ongoing.
The House of Representatives did not take up a Senate-passed funding bill, prolonging the DHS partial shutdown that began on February 14. The deadlock centers on immigration enforcement funding, with Democrats demanding reforms and Republicans opposing them. The shutdown affects airport security and federal workers' pay, with no immediate resolution in sight.
The Department of Homeland Security has paused plans to convert warehouses into detention centers across the US, following legal challenges and community opposition. Several projects, including in Utah and Maryland, are under review as the department considers future steps amid ongoing disputes.
Todd Lyons has announced he will step down as acting ICE chief on May 31, transitioning to the private sector. His departure follows criticism of ICE's enforcement practices, including fatal shootings and allegations of misconduct. Lyons has led efforts to arrest and remove migrants amid heightened immigration enforcement.
Multiple members of Congress are under investigation for misconduct, including sexual misconduct, campaign violations, and military actions. Several have resigned or are facing expulsion efforts, highlighting ongoing partisan disputes and accountability issues within the House as of April 22, 2026.
A new poll shows that half of Americans, including a quarter of Trump voters, view President Trump’s mass deportation efforts as too aggressive. Despite leadership changes, public opinion remains broadly negative, with concerns about safety and the effectiveness of immigration enforcement. The administration continues to defend its strategy.
The US Labor Secretary has announced her departure following an inspector general investigation into misconduct allegations, including misuse of resources and personal misconduct. She is leaving to join the private sector, with her replacement expected to be Keith Sonderling. The investigation is nearing its conclusion.
The FBI has executed a large-scale operation in Orange County, arresting 43 alleged Mexican Mafia members. The indictment accuses them of murder, drug trafficking, extortion, and other crimes. Authorities seized firearms, cash, and drugs, revealing the gang's extensive criminal network from prisons to streets. The operation highlights ongoing efforts to dismantle organized crime.