In a recent episode of her podcast, Megyn Kelly, host on SiriusXM, expressed her disapproval of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem's penchant for engaging in "photo ops" during deportation arrests.
Kelly contended that these public displays detract from the commendable work Noem is accomplishing within the department.
As reported by the Daily Caller, Noem spearheaded a multi-agency task force, which included U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Phoenix immigration agents, to apprehend three illegal migrants with alleged criminal backgrounds.
This operation took place on a Tuesday morning. During "The Megyn Kelly Show," Kelly scrutinized Noem's decision to consistently share videos and photographs while participating in these enforcement actions. "Can we talk about Kristi Noem and these ridiculous photo ops? Why does she have to keep doing this? Shes doing a great job. Her actual performance as DHS secretary, in my view anyway, has been amazing," Kelly remarked. "Just stop trying to glamorize the mission and put yourself in the middle of it as you cosplay ICE agent, which youre not!"
Kelly further criticized the impact of these photo opportunities, stating, "I cant stand these photo ops, you guys. I think they diminish ICE. They diminish DHS, CBP [U.S. Customs and Border Protection]." She emphasized that Noem's role is administrative, having been appointed by President Donald Trump due to her loyalty, and urged her to cease the glamorization of her involvement.
Since assuming her role as DHS secretary, Noem has frequently joined ICE and CBP operations at the southern border, often documenting these events on her social media platforms. During the recent operation, Noem narrowly avoided being kicked by one of the migrants, who attempted to obstruct a camera with his shoe while she interrogated him.
Kelly argued that Noem's presence at these operations could compromise safety, suggesting that the raids would be "much safer" without her involvement. "She looks like [how] I look right now, but shes out in the field with her gun being like, Were going to go kick some ass! No one wants you there. First of all, nobody ever wants the extra lady who doesnt actually belong," Kelly asserted. "They just dont. Pro tip, as somebody whose brother is a cop, they dont want you there even if youre an attractive lady. They dont want you."
Highlighting the potential dangers, Kelly noted, "There are lives on the line. They may say that you can come because youre DHS secretary, but these guys are going to be much safer if you have nothing to do with it." She pointed out that during one of these raids, Noem was nearly kicked, suggesting that such incidents might be anticipated. "Sure enough, she went on one of these raids, and somebody tried to kick her. Its like shes looking for an opportunity to have that happen. I have had it up to here with all of this."
In a related development, Noem announced on Tuesday, as per a notice in the Federal Register, that the DHS will bypass environmental restrictions to expedite the construction of a 2.5-mile-long wall along the California-Mexico border. This move aligns with conservative principles of strengthening border security and upholding national sovereignty.
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