Protests and Political Pressure Shadow Noem’s DHS Tenure
Kristi Noem, the former South Dakota governor and current Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is under intense scrutiny this week as new revelations about her financial dealings surface and public protests erupt over her immigration policies.
On Friday, demonstrators gathered outside the Broadview ICE facility near Chicago, demanding greater transparency and accountability from DHS under Noem’s leadership. The protest coincided with Noem’s reported visit to the facility, where activists voiced concerns about the treatment of detainees and the administration’s approach to immigration enforcement. Chants for justice and calls for oversight echoed as Noem’s motorcade arrived, highlighting the growing public pressure she faces in her new federal role.
Secret Payments Exposed: ProPublica Investigation Raises Ethics Questions
Adding to the controversy, a recent ProPublica investigation revealed that Noem secretly accepted
$80,000 from a so-called “dark money” nonprofit while serving as South Dakota’s governor. The group, American Resolve Policy Fund, routed the funds to Noem’s personal company, Ashwood Strategies, in what experts describe as a highly unusual and potentially unethical arrangement. The payment was not disclosed on Noem’s federal financial forms, a likely violation of ethics requirements for federal officials.
The nonprofit, which is not required to reveal its donors, claimed the payment was for fundraising services. However, the lack of transparency and the direct personal benefit to Noem have alarmed ethics experts and political observers. Lee Schoenbeck, a veteran Republican and former head of the South Dakota Senate, stated, “There’s no way the governor is supposed to have a private side business that the public doesn’t know about. It would clearly not be appropriate.” Noem’s lawyer maintains that she acted within the law, but the revelations have sparked calls for further investigation.
Congressional Hearings and Legal Challenges
Noem’s confirmation as DHS Secretary was already contentious, with lawmakers grilling her on her record and outside income during Senate hearings. This week, she also testified before the House Homeland Security Committee, facing tough questions about her department’s handling of immigration and border security.
Meanwhile, legal challenges continue to mount. The Supreme Court recently addressed a case involving Noem and the National TPS Alliance, reflecting the ongoing legal and political battles over immigration policy under her leadership.
What’s Next for Kristi Noem?
With protests intensifying and new questions about her financial transparency, Kristi Noem’s future as DHS Secretary appears increasingly uncertain. Political analysts suggest that the combination of public outcry, congressional scrutiny, and potential ethics violations could threaten her standing in the Biden administration and her broader political ambitions.
As the story develops, all eyes will remain on Noem’s next moves—and whether she can weather the storm of controversy now swirling around her.
Sources
1. Protesters gather outside Broadview ICE facility, Kristi ... - YouTube
2. Kristi Noem Secretly Took a Cut of Political Donations - ProPublica
3. [PDF] 25A326 Noem v. National TPS Alliance (10/03/2025) - Supreme Court
4. DHS Kristi Noem House Homeland Security Hearing - Rev
5. Kristi Noem Confirmation Hearing DHS Secretary - Rev
