Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is facing criticism for staging dramatic social media photo-ops while carrying out immigration enforcement operations. During a recent ICE raid in Arizona, Noem wore tactical gear resembling a uniformed agent’s outfit while accompanying federal officers – complete with a customized Homeland Security patch and ballistic vest. Critics argue these theatrics distract from her agency’s substantive work securing borders and deporting criminal migrants.

Conservative commentators Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon praised Noem’s policy achievements like reducing illegal border crossings by 38% and deporting 12,000 gang-affiliated migrants in Q1 2025. However, they urged her to “let the results speak for themselves” rather than engaging in “cringeworthy costume theater.” The Secretary’s decision to bring controversial Trump ally Corey Lewandowski on the raid – along with a right-wing influencer given temporary ICE credentials – raised additional concerns about professionalism.

While acknowledging Noem’s effective leadership, Bevan noted the photo-ops risk “undermining public trust” by creating perceptions of political grandstanding. Cannon emphasized that immigration enforcement requires sober execution rather than “Instagram-ready stunt work,” pointing to backlash from both sides of the aisle over Noem posing with shackled prisoners at an El Salvadoran mega-prison last month. The Secretary’s team maintains these visual demonstrations highlight DHS’ operational successes.