NILC Statement on Trump’s Firing of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 5, 2026

CONTACT
Email: [email protected]
Rocio Ortega, 213-789-6820
Emily Morris, 213-457-7458

NILC Statement on Trump’s Firing of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem

WASHINGTON — Kica Matos, president of the National Immigration Law Center, issued the following statement after President Trump announced he will replace Department of Homeland Security Sec. Kristi Noem with Sen. Markwayne Mullin:  

“Kristi Noem was a willing and eager participant in the Trump administration’s assault on our constitutional rights and its callous disregard for human life and dignity. While we welcome the end of Noem’s historically awful tenure at DHS, replacing her with Senator Markwayne Mullin only changes the public face of Trump and Miller’s destructive mass deportation and detention agenda. Ultimately, given his staunchly anti-immigrant stance, if confirmed, his leadership all but guarantees more of the same lawlessness and cruelty.  

“This is the equivalent of putting lipstick on a pig, and we must act accordingly. Changing who sits atop Trump’s deportation machine should not dull the resolve of lawmakers who have courageously stood up to demand accountability from ICE and CBP. We cannot allow any more taxpayers dollars to go to ICE and CBP’s lawless attacks on our communities.” 

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