Often referred to as “ICE Barbie” by the media, Kristi Noem currently leads an expansive network within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). She finds herself deeply embroiled in the ongoing conflicts and controversies characterizing the Trump 2.0 era.
My coverage of DHS is part of a broader effort to unravel the mixed messages and misleading narratives circulating in the Trump era, particularly where figures like Noem are concerned. Despite wanting to address a wider range of issues, the actions of Noem and her associates seem to demand attention. Let’s delve into their recent developments.
Is Ice Barbie Really Dating Him?
To kick things off, American Oversight has been investigating the role of Corey Lewandowski, allegedly Noem’s boyfriend, within the DHS:
On Wednesday, American Oversight filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security for failing to provide records that could clarify Lewandowski’s influence at the agency. Described as Noem’s “de facto chief of staff,” Lewandowski has avoided basic accountability measures while reportedly wielding considerable power over policy, contracts, and personnel choices.
The secrecy surrounding Lewandowski’s role reflects a broader reluctance within the administration to ensure transparency. Concerns regarding his murky position have reportedly arisen among at least some in the White House.
This lawsuit follows months of pushback from DHS, which has not responded to multiple Freedom of Information Act requests for Lewandowski’s communications and schedules. DHS’s refusal to disclose information about his role raises questions about whether he has violated legal time limits on his appointment and whether he is using private channels to conduct official business that may benefit his associates.
“It’s telling that this administration, known for dodging accountability, appears to be growing increasingly tired of Lewandowski’s attempts to circumvent the legal framework at DHS,” noted Chioma Chukwu, Executive Director of American Oversight.
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Reports indicate that Lewandowski has acted as Noem’s “gatekeeper,” controlling meeting access, influencing personnel choices, and even having veto power over contracts worth over $100,000—all while avoiding the use of government email and maintaining a low profile in documentation of his on-the-job activities. Despite these duties, DHS asserts he has only worked for 69 days this year—with 228 days passing since Noem’s confirmation, and Lewandowski’s arrival shortly after. Insiders label this count as a “gross undercount.”Lewandowski has also neglected to file a public financial disclosure report, raising ethical concerns about potential conflicts of interest, especially in regard to dealings with private clients who engage with government agencies.
The journey of their unlikely romance is anything but smooth, particularly with Lewandowski’s erratic behavior across multiple agencies, despite his undefined position.
ICE Barbie’s Boyfriend: Purging the Agency
Here’s the kicker
Not only has the Trump administration removed ICE field office directors in five major cities, but this also forms part of a strategy to integrate BORDER PATROL officials into ICE leadership, a move considered unprecedented by insiders. https://t.co/LKGejNUZc7
— Anna Giaritelli (@Anna_Giaritelli) October 27, 2025
The Daily Beast further reports previously documented instances where Lewandowski influenced firings at DHS.
Kristi Noem’s partner and enforcer, Corey Lewandowski, is spearheading a purge within ICE, consolidating Noem’s control as the agency prepares for a nationwide deportation push.
Five ICE field managers were reassigned from Denver, Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Diego, and Philadelphia to headquarters after criticisms regarding inadequate removal statistics. Inside DHS, Lewandowski, whose relationship with Noem is considered a “well-known secret” in D.C., has reportedly curated a growing list of leaders to be either moved or replaced, bringing in senior Border Patrol officials to fill new roles within ICE, according to Fox News Digital.
This unprecedented reshuffle has been described as “tense” and “combative,” creating rival factions within the agency.
Border Czar Tom Homan and acting ICE Director Todd Lyons advocate for targeted arrests focused on individuals with criminal convictions and final orders for deportation.
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The influx of Border Patrol agents signifies a “historic” shift within DHS, aligning ICE operations with Homan’s aggressive “blitz” model, which represents a pivot from targeting the “worst of the worst” to achieving broader enforcement numbers.Homan, alongside ice leadership, has become synonymous with conducting immigration crackdowns from Los Angeles to Chicago’s “Midway Blitz.”
His forceful methods are already under scrutiny in Chicago, where a judge has cited his actions regarding the use of tear gas and mandated his appearance in court.
Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a senior fellow at the American Immigration Council, described this as a “HUGE moment,” emphasizing that “ICE leadership is being overhauled tonight. The previous leadership, which focused on targeted enforcement, is being replaced with Border Patrol and Homan’s aggressive tactics.”
Yes, that Tom Homan, last noted in discussions surrounding a bribery scandal involving alleged cash payments from undercover agents. We’ll revisit Homan’s role shortly, but first, let’s pivot to the Super Bowl with ICE Barbie and her boyfriend.
ICE Barbie: Only Patriots Welcome at the Super Bowl, Sorry Bad Bunny
Kristi Noem tells Bad Bunny that ICE will be at the Super Bowl and the event should only be for Americans who “love this country” pic.twitter.com/zwr0MopCce
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) October 3, 2025
According to The New York Times:
Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, clearly indicated that ICE agents would be present at the Super Bowl in February, where Latin pop star Bad Bunny is set to headline the halftime show.
When asked by right-wing podcaster Benny Johnson about possible “ICE enforcement” at the Super Bowl, Noem responded affirmatively, saying that federal immigration officials would be “all over” the venue.
“It’s my duty to ensure that everyone attending the Super Bowl should be law-abiding Americans who cherish this country,” Noem stated on “The Benny Show.” Bad Bunny, from Puerto Rico and known for hits like “MIA” and “I Like It,” has previously refrained from performing in the mainland U.S. due to fears of his fans being targeted by ICE agents.
Following the NFL’s announcement about his appearance, far-right commentators criticized him for not performing in English and for being openly critical of Trump’s immigration stance. Johnson even labeled Bad Bunny a “massive Trump hater.”
Now back to Tom Homan and the tensions surrounding him and ICE Barbie.
Can Tom Homan Mediate Between ICE Barbie and Corey’s Contentious Waters?
Homan maintains that no discord exists within the Trump team, despite reports to the contrary.
Ingraham: Tom, there are reports of growing tension between you and Kristi Noem… Is there any truth to that, Tom?
Homan: pic.twitter.com/HRcxeDZLzI
— Acyn (@Acyn) October 28, 2025
The Daily Beast captured the interaction:
“There are reports indicating friction between you and Kristi Noem … Is this true?” Laura Ingraham pressed.
Notably, Homan skirted the question, opting instead for a defense of ICE’s accomplishments. “Our collective focus is on public safety and national security issues,” he stated. “Yet anyone illegally in the country isn’t off the hook. We will detain you, too.”
He affirmed, “We are achieving record arrests and deportations,” while assuring the public that staffing increases would lead to a surge in arrests.
It seems enemies of Team Trump 2.0 will need to search for divides elsewhere.
Attention around Homan, however, can spell trouble for him.
Tom Homan’s Financial Interests at ICE
A Pennsylvania consultant named Charles Sowell first reached out to Homan on LinkedIn in 2021 for advice on border contract work. After Homan completed his tenure as acting director of ICE, they established a business partnership. Sowell paid Homan as a consultant for his firm, SE&M Solutions, which aided companies—some for fees up to $20,000 monthly—interested in securing contracts with the agencies where Homan had previously served. In 2024, Sowell took leadership of Homan’s foundation, Border911, promoting stricter border security.
Despite pledging to recuse himself from contract discussions, multiple industry executives disclosed that several firms, hoping to win a share of the $45 billion allocated for immigration detention work, were engaging Sowell, relying on the belief that his ties to Homan would boost their chances.
Following a career in federal service, Homan’s net worth has soared—from under $250,000 in 2017 to between $3 million and $9 million in 2025, as reported in his ethics disclosures.
With Homan in the spotlight for various issues, including potential conflicts of interest, let’s shift focus to how Democrats are strategizing to resist Trump 2.0 and ICE.
Border Czar’s Warning to Illinois Democrats
As previously reported, Trump’s federal aggression in Chicago and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s pushback have made headlines.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has recently called for a “general strike,” and it’s important to highlight the context behind this movement.
Border Czar Tom Homan has issued a warning to Pritzker and Johnson:
Homan fiercely criticized the officials for condemning federal agents while neglecting the escalating violence they face in the field. Directed mainly at Gov. Pritzker, Homan criticized the governor’s position against ICE, especially when Chicago has seen rising violence this summer.
“Here’s what you should do: put on a Border Patrol uniform for one shift. Witness firsthand the challenges our agents face,” he challenged.
- In Chicago, rioters have called for arrests or harm against agents.
- An ICE agent was seriously injured during an attempt at apprehension recently.
- At an ICE office in Dallas, a shooting occurred, resulting in two tragic fatalities.
- Several other shootings targeting ICE have been reported in Texas, prompting charges of attempted murder.
Homan concluded by challenging his critics: “Stand on the front line, surrounded by hostility, and see if there’s justification in our need for self-defense.”
Mayor Johnson Calls for a General Strike
In my last discussion, I expressed skepticism about the Democratic response in Chicago. Now, Mayor Johnson is raising the stakes by advocating for a general strike during a recent rally:
“If my ancestors, who were enslaved, led the greatest general strike in US history, we can do it too!” Johnson declared, earning applause.
Historically, there has yet to be a nationwide general strike in the U.S. since the “great strike wave of 1946,” where five million American workers rallied for economic reforms and quality working conditions. This resulted in the Taft-Hartley Act, which restricted various union-related actions.
Johnson has emerged as a leader, unafraid to confront Trump and ICE, demanding accountability and mobilizing support for the “Hands Off Chicago” campaign, amidst an estimated 250,000 participants at the rally—up from approximately 75,000 earlier.
Pritzker also joined in, asserting, “We will never surrender! Peaceful resistance is frightening to authoritarian powers.”
Time will tell how well this push for a general strike resonates and develops.
Pritzker’s Accountability Commission Targets ICE Barbie
Pritzker recently signed an executive order to establish the Illinois Accountability Commission, underscoring the need for federal accountability in response to aggressive operations in Illinois:
“This Commission aims to document the actions of federal law enforcement agents and recommend measures for accountability while they continue military-style operations across Chicago and beyond,” the Governor stated.
Formed to collect testimonies and conduct hearings, the Commission seeks to highlight misconduct by federal agents under the Trump administration.
“The federal response is pushing the limits of authority, terrorizing communities without regard for legality or morality. We won’t respond with fear, but with truth,” Pritzker added. “Our goal is to create a detailed account of what is happening, serving as a foundation for future demands for justice.”
The Commission will comprise a maximum of nine members chosen by the Governor and will submit findings to the public.
This kind of proactive measure is just what Democrats need to counter the aggressive policies of ICE Barbie and the Trump administration.
Unsurprisingly, Trump’s allies are resistant to facing legal consequences for their actions.
Stephen Miller Responds; ICE Barbie Remains Silent
On Fox, Stephen Miller threatened to arrest Gov. Pritzker for “seditious conspiracy,” reinforcing his support for ICE officers as they operate. “You have federal immunity while conducting your duties. Anyone obstructing you is committing a felony,” he declared.
Stephen Miller on Fox threatens to arrest JB Pritzker for “seditious conspiracy” and says, “to all ICE officers: you have federal immunity in the conduct of your duties. And anybody who lays a hand on you or tries to stop or obstruct you is committing a felony.”
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) Oct 24, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Moreover, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller appears quite shrewd when it comes to financial investments.
Stephen Miller’s Financial Interests in Palantir
The connection to Palantir comes under scrutiny:
According to Rolling Stone, Miller’s financial disclosures indicate he holds between $100,000 and $250,000 in Palantir stock, a company with substantial contracts to aid ICE in tracking and surveilling undocumented immigrants.
This poses a probable conflict of interest, particularly given Miller’s influential role in shaping immigration policies. An analysis showed that he is among multiple White House officials with stakes in Palantir.
This creates a significant ethical concern, especially with ICE’s recent $30 million contracts to enhance tracking operations targeting undocumented individuals. Various reports illustrate the troubling motives behind these initiatives.
As the political landscape continues changing, the stakes rise for everyone involved, including ICE Barbie.
Portland’s Strategy Against ICE
According to The New York Times, Portland is devising an innovative approach to challenge ICE’s presence:
Portland leaders are employing zoning laws, giving them leverage to restrict ICE’s operations. The city is attempting to target the ICE facility in a bid to make it difficult for those operations to carry on undisturbed.
Just three miles from downtown, the ICE facility has drawn significant protests and scrutiny due to its location, unlike typical federal placements that often distance themselves from public view.
In mid-September, city officials issued a land-use violation notice based on claims that ICE had breached the terms of their property lease.
Time will tell whether this tactic proves effective against ICE Barbie’s influence.
The Broader Context: Palantir’s Influence on Homelessness
Let’s zoom out; the DHS’s strategies extend beyond immigration enforcement, impacting broader issues like homelessness:
Palantir Co-founder Joe Lonsdale’s Stance on the Homeless
Reports indicate that Joe Lonsdale is actively pushing legislation to criminalize homelessness:
Recent discussions in Kansas revolved around a bill aiming to ban “public camping,” targeting the homeless population. The proposal would classify sleeping in public as a misdemeanor and limit local governments from blocking such legislation.
While advocates linked with this initiative have voiced opinions throughout the state, the initiative has raised questions about its motives and effectiveness in addressing homelessness.
ICE Barbie’s Approach Towards the Homeless
The collaborative efforts between DHS and Palantir in approaching homelessness are alarming. The push to remove and criminalize homeless encampments is compounded by ongoing surges in violent tactics against vulnerable populations.
Utah’s new “mega camp” for the homeless has been unveiled as a facility designed to detain individuals—described by some as modern internment.
In this clip from Eric Tars, the facility could act as a nationwide model.— Invisible People ➤ Imagine Everyone With a Home (@invisiblepeople) October 26, 2025
With Lonsdale’s influence and overarching ambitions, the effects of these policies on marginalized communities remain a pressing concern.
Looking Ahead: What Lies Ahead for ICE Barbie?
As the political landscape evolves, the implications of the current administration’s efforts could foster instability. In light of Ezra Klein’s recent interview with Radley Balko:
We witness the erosion of fundamental rights, with the construction of impersonal detention centers and an increasingly militarized federal response. With escalating provocations, this tension stands on the brink of erupting into crisis.
The administration’s measures, increasingly aggressive, are not a response to genuine threats but part of a broader agenda to create a controlled authoritarian environment.
As we move forward, the landscape continues reshaping, and the stakes are getting higher.
In conclusion, the developments surrounding Kristi Noem and the DHS reflect a profound shift in immigration policies and government practices. These events significantly impact the broader social framework and highlight the urgent need for public accountability and transparency.
