Tue Feb 04 12:30:00 UTC 2025: **New Homeland Security Secretary Rides with Border Patrol Agents at US-Mexico Border**
EL PASO, Texas – Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem made a highly visible appearance at the U.S.-Mexico border, riding horseback alongside U.S. Border Patrol agents who were investigated for their conduct during a 2021 incident involving Haitian migrants. The ride, which included Fox News host Lawrence Jones, was framed by Noem as a show of support for the agents.
Noem’s action comes after a nine-month investigation into allegations of excessive force against Haitian migrants attempting to cross the Rio Grande. While the investigation found no evidence of agents striking migrants, it did uncover unprofessional and dangerous conduct by some agents. Although disciplinary action was planned for four agents, the U.S. Attorney General’s office declined to file criminal charges. The incident, which involved approximately 15,000 migrants gathered under a bridge, was characterized as chaotic by officials.
Noem, however, expressed strong support for the agents involved, stating that the previous Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, had not adequately supported them. She emphasized the importance of showing the agents that their leadership has their back.
This latest symbolic gesture follows Noem’s participation in ICE raids last week, an event that garnered considerable attention and led to the nickname “ICE Barbie” being applied to her by some media outlets. Noem’s choice of attire, including a cowboy hat and border patrol-green jacket for the horseback ride, further highlighted the visual nature of her border visit.
First Piper 