When you think about the Department of Homeland Security, you probably picture long airport lines or massive border walls. It’s a beast of an agency. Honestly, it’s the kind of job that usually makes people more enemies than friends. But if you're looking for the person currently steering that ship in 2026, the name you need to know is Kristi Noem.
She isn't just a face on a government website. As the current secretary of homeland security, Noem has basically spent the last year trying to dismantle the previous administration's policies while standing squarely in the middle of some of the most heated political crossfire in modern American history. If you've been following the news, you know her transition from the governor’s mansion in South Dakota to the "St. Elizabeths West Campus" in D.C. wasn't exactly quiet.
Who is Kristi Noem?
Before she was the current secretary of homeland security, most people knew her as the Governor of South Dakota. She was the one who famously refused to mandate masks during the pandemic and took a very "leave people alone" approach to governing. That rugged, individualistic brand is exactly why President Trump tapped her for the role back in early 2025.
She was sworn in on January 25, 2025, by Justice Clarence Thomas. Since then, the vibe at DHS has shifted—hard. Gone are the days of Alejandro Mayorkas, whose tenure ended with a historic impeachment and a lot of controversy over border encounters. Noem stepped in with a mandate to "secure the southern border" and, in her words, "fix a broken system" that she claims was left in shambles.
Why the Secretary of Homeland Security Matters to You
You might think, "Okay, cool, a new politician in a suit," but the current secretary of homeland security actually touches your life in ways that are kinda surprising. Every time you go through a TSA checkpoint or see a Coast Guard ship, that’s her department. DHS oversees 22 different agencies. We’re talking about:
- Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
- The Secret Service
- FEMA (the people who show up after a hurricane)
- TSA (the people who make you take your shoes off)
It's a massive portfolio. If the Secretary decides to change how drones are used or how fast a disaster grant gets processed, you feel it.
The Big Moves: What the Current Secretary of Homeland Security is Doing in 2026
So, what has she actually been doing lately? If you've looked at the DHS newsroom this week, you’ll see she’s been busy.
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Just today, January 13, 2026, Noem made a massive announcement regarding Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali nationals. She officially terminated it. Her reasoning? "Temporary means temporary." She argued that conditions in Somalia have improved enough that the legal requirements for the status are no longer met.
It’s a move that fits her "Americans first" mantra, but it’s also incredibly controversial. Critics argue that Somalia is still far from safe, but Noem is sticking to her guns. She even mentioned a mobile app called "CBP Home" where people can "self-deport" in exchange for a plane ticket and a $1,000 bonus. It’s a very different approach than we saw three or four years ago.
The Drone Revolution
Another big thing happening right now is the launch of a new office dedicated to drone and counter-drone technology. Noem just announced a $115 million investment into this.
Why now? Well, 2026 is a huge year. We’ve got the FIFA World Cup coming to North America, and it’s also the America250 celebration (the 250th anniversary of the United States). Noem is obsessed with "airspace sovereignty." She wants to make sure that no one is flying unauthorized drones over stadiums or historic parades. It's a high-tech security push that feels very "future of warfare," even though it's happening right here at home.
The Contrast with Alejandro Mayorkas
To understand where Noem is going, you have to look at where the department was. Her predecessor, Alejandro Mayorkas, had a very different philosophy. He focused a lot on the "root causes" of migration and was the first Latino and immigrant to hold the job.
His exit was messy. Between the narrow 214-213 impeachment vote in the House and the millions of border encounters reported during his term, the GOP saw him as the face of a failed border policy. Noem has used that as a springboard. She often talks about "restoring accountability" and "supporting law enforcement" in a way that feels like a direct rebuttal to the 2021-2025 era.
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The Reality of Running DHS
Running this department is basically like being a firefighter in a building that’s always on fire.
The current secretary of homeland security has to manage over 260,000 employees. Think about that. That is a city’s worth of people. In a recent message for Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (January 12, 2026), Noem pointed out that DHS is actually the largest law enforcement agency in the federal government, with over 80,000 officers and agents.
She’s also been taking aim at CISA (the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency). Usually, this is a quiet, nerdy part of the government that deals with hackers. Noem, however, told senators she wants to "rein them in." She thinks the agency needs to be "smaller and more nimble." It's a reminder that her influence isn't just at the border—it's in our digital infrastructure too.
What Most People Get Wrong
A lot of people think the Secretary has total power to just "close the border" or "deport everyone" overnight. It doesn't work like that.
There are court battles, budget constraints, and international treaties. Even with Noem’s aggressive stance, she’s facing legal challenges from various states and NGOs. For instance, her move to end TPS for Somalia will almost certainly end up in a courtroom. The Secretary has a lot of "parole authority," but as we saw with the articles of impeachment against Mayorkas, using that authority in ways Congress didn't intend can lead to huge political consequences.
Navigating the 2026 Landscape
As we move further into 2026, keep an eye on how the department handles the FIFA World Cup. That’s going to be the biggest test of Noem’s leadership. You’ve got millions of international visitors, high-profile targets, and a massive logistical nightmare.
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Noem has already funneled $250 million in grants to the 11 states hosting matches. This is where the rubber meets the road. If the security is seamless, she’ll look like a genius. If there are major glitches or security breaches, the "America First" rhetoric won't be enough to shield her from criticism.
Actionable Insights for You
If you’re someone who deals with immigration, travel, or government contracting, here is what you need to do to keep up with the current secretary of homeland security:
- Monitor the CBP Home App: If you or someone you know is navigating status changes, this app is becoming the primary tool for the department’s "voluntary departure" programs.
- Watch the TPS Deadlines: Noem is reviewing country conditions aggressively. If you have status through TPS (like Somalia, Yemen, or others), don't wait for a news alert—check the DHS registry months in advance.
- Prepare for FIFA Security: If you live in a host city like Tampa, Miami, or New York, expect the drone restrictions and security perimeters to be tighter than anything you’ve seen since 9/11.
- Cybersecurity Changes: For business owners, Noem’s push for "public-private partnerships" in cyber means there might be new grants or requirements for hardening your infrastructure against foreign actors.
The Department of Homeland Security isn't just a bureaucracy; it’s a reflection of the country's priorities. Right now, under Kristi Noem, those priorities are border enforcement, drone dominance, and a "temporary means temporary" approach to immigration. Whether you love her style or hate it, there’s no denying she’s moving fast to remake the department in her own image.
Stay updated by checking the official DHS.gov leadership page, as roles within the under-secretariats often shift. As of mid-January 2026, the department is leaner, louder, and more focused on "sovereignty" than it has been in decades. Keeping an eye on these shifts will help you navigate everything from international travel to local security changes in your own backyard.
To stay informed on the latest policy shifts, you should regularly monitor the Federal Register for notices regarding Temporary Protected Status and immigration parole programs. If you are an industry professional in technology or security, keep a close watch on the newly formed Program Executive Office for Unmanned Aircraft Systems, as significant contract vehicles and grant opportunities are currently being finalized for the 2026 fiscal year. Finally, ensure any travel plans during the upcoming summer events account for increased DHS presence and potential delays at major transit hubs.