If you’re trying to keep track of who is running the show at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) right now, things have changed quite a bit since the last administration. Kristi Noem is the current Secretary of Homeland Security. She was sworn in on January 25, 2025, after a 59-34 vote in the Senate.
It’s a massive job.
Noem basically oversees about 260,000 employees. Think about that for a second. That is more people than the entire population of many mid-sized American cities. She's the 8th person to hold the permanent title. Before her, Alejandro Mayorkas ran the department under President Biden. But as of 2026, the reins are firmly in Noem's hands under the Trump administration.
Who is the Head of Homeland Security right now?
Kristi Noem isn't a newcomer to politics, obviously. Most people know her as the former Governor of South Dakota. She was actually the first woman to hold that office in her home state. Now, she's swapped the governor's mansion for the St. Elizabeths West Campus in D.C.
Her appointment was a clear signal.
President Trump made it no secret that "securing the border" was the top priority. By picking Noem, he chose someone who had been very vocal about immigration long before she got the federal nod. Honestly, she even requested the job because she wanted to be the one to execute that specific mandate.
What exactly does the Secretary do?
The DHS isn't just one thing. It's a "super-agency." It was created after 9/11 to make sure different parts of the government actually talked to each other.
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Noem’s desk is where the buck stops for:
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): The folks at the physical borders.
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): Managing removals and interior enforcement.
- TSA: Everything involving airport security.
- The Coast Guard: Protecting our waters.
- FEMA: Dealing with hurricanes, fires, and disasters.
- Secret Service: Protecting the President.
It's a lot. If a major cyberattack happens, she’s on the hook. If a Category 5 hurricane hits the Gulf, she’s the one coordinating the federal response.
The big shift in 2026
Wait, what makes 2026 different? Well, for one, the policy direction has done a total 180. Under the previous head of homeland security, Alejandro Mayorkas, there was a heavy focus on "humanitarian pathways" and managing the influx of asylum seekers.
Noem has pivoted hard.
Just this month—January 2026—she’s been making headlines for terminating Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for several countries, including Somalia, Ethiopia, and Nicaragua. She’s gone on record saying, "Temporary means temporary." It's a much more rigid interpretation of the law than we saw a few years ago.
Key players working with Noem
Noem doesn't work in a vacuum. You’ve probably heard names like Tom Homan and Stephen Miller. Homan is often referred to as the "Border Czar," and Miller is a senior advisor in the White House.
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While Noem is the official head of the department, she collaborates closely with these two on the logistics of large-scale deportations. It's a "whole-of-government" approach. She also recently appointed Charles Wall as the Deputy Director of ICE. Wall is an ICE veteran, having spent 14 years in the agency, and he’s known for a "forward-leaning" strategy regarding the removal of criminal aliens.
Why the role is so controversial
Let's be real: the DHS head is almost always the "lightning rod" of the Cabinet.
When Mayorkas was in charge, he was actually impeached by the House in 2024 (though the Senate dismissed it). Now that Noem is in charge, she faces a different kind of pressure. Critics argue that her focus on mass deportations is too aggressive and could tear families apart.
On the flip side, her supporters say the border was out of control and that she’s finally bringing "law and order" back.
It’s a classic Washington divide. Noem has also been skeptical of CISA (the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency), which is a part of her own department. She’s expressed a desire to "rein in" certain federal agencies to ensure they aren't overstepping their bounds, especially when it comes to monitoring speech or data.
Real-world impact on you
You might think, "I'm not an immigrant, so why does the head of homeland security matter to me?"
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It affects more than you'd think.
- Travel: Noem has talked about a "golden age of travel," which basically means trying to streamline TSA and entry points for legal travelers and citizens.
- Disaster Relief: If you live in a flood zone or an area prone to wildfires, Noem is the one who decides how much FEMA money gets released. Just recently, she announced $1 billion in funding for Georgia.
- Cybersecurity: If your bank gets hacked by a foreign state, it’s the DHS agencies that are tasked with defending that "critical infrastructure."
Current status of the leadership team
Not every seat is filled. As of mid-January 2026, several high-level positions are still being held by "Acting" officials. For example, the Administrator of FEMA and the Director of CISA are currently in "Acting" or "Senior Official" roles.
This happens a lot in government. It takes time to get people confirmed or vetted. But having "Acting" heads can sometimes lead to a bit of a power vacuum in the lower ranks. Noem seems to be moving fast to fill these with people who align with the current administration's "America First" philosophy.
What to watch for next
If you're following the DHS, the next six months are going to be intense. Here is what's actually happening on the ground:
- TPS Expirations: Keep an eye on the dates. Somalia’s status ends March 17, 2026. This will lead to a lot of legal battles.
- Border Infrastructure: Construction on physical barriers has ramped up again. Watch for new contracts being awarded to private companies.
- Tech Upgrades: Noem has emphasized using "cutting-edge" tech for border surveillance, like autonomous drones and AI-driven sensors.
To stay informed, you should check the official DHS.gov press room. They update it daily with new policy memos. If you’re a traveler, keep an eye on the TSA and CBP apps, as they often push updates about new entry requirements or digital ID programs that Noem's team is currently rolling out.