Today in Focus Trump sacks Kristi Noem: what does it mean for ICE? – The Latest
12 snips
Mar 6, 2026 
Chris Michael, Guardian US live news editor who covers US politics and immigration, joins to unpack Kristi Noem’s downfall. He traces her rise from South Dakota governor to the public face of aggressive ICE tactics. He breaks down the controversial $220m ad, the moment that cost her the job, and what Markwayne Mullin's arrival means for immigration policy.
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Noem Became The Face Of Enforcement
- Kristi Noem became the public face of Trump's immigration crackdown as DHS head, pushing an aggressive domestic enforcement expansion and high ICE funding.
- Her performative image and photo ops, like posing with deportees, amplified backlash and defined her public role.
Dog Shooting And Grotesque Photo Ops
- Chris Michael recounts Noem's past controversies, including admitting she shot a dog and posed in offensive photos at a Salvadoran jail.
- Those stories damaged her VP prospects and framed public perception once she led DHS enforcement.
Ad Claim Triggered Her Downfall
- The $220m ICE ad campaign and Noem's claim that Trump knew about it created a tipping point when Trump denied knowledge.
- That public contradiction signalled Trump cutting her loose to protect himself from optics and blame.