Noem Departure Changes Nothing Without New Direction from White House

In response to news that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is stepping down at the end of the month and that President Trump will nominate Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma as her replacement, American Oversight released the following statement from its Executive Director, Chimoma Chukwu:

“Secretary Noem’s departure does not change the underlying crisis at the Department of Homeland Security. The abusive and inhumane tactics that have defined this administration’s immigration enforcement were never about one official — they are the direct result of policies driven by the White House. Swapping out one political appointee for another will not undo the damage being inflicted on families and communities across the country.

“Senator Mullin may soon oversee the same agencies responsible for unconstitutional practices, inhumane detention, and escalating use-of-force incidents that have already raised profound concerns about civil rights, transparency, and accountability. The issue is not only who occupies the secretary’s office, but whether DHS will continue operating under directives that prioritize cruelty, secrecy, and political spectacle over the rule of law, our constitution, and basic human dignity.

“The American people deserve answers about what is happening inside these agencies and how these policies are being carried out in their name. Leadership changes will not restore trust unless the administration abandons the reckless approach that has cost lives and eroded public confidence in federal law enforcement.”