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Kristi Noem shook hands with border agents, cruised around on an ATV, and hitched a ride in a helicopter — action hero-style — as the Department of Homeland Security secretary celebrated the drastic plunge in illegal crossings at the southern border.

The glam shots of Noem’s border visit, posted to the DHS X account on Tuesday, celebrated “the most secure border in American history” after President Trump’s first 100 days in office.


  DHS Secretary Kristi Noem visits the U.S.-Mexico Border Wall in El Paso, Texas, April 28, 2025. Tia Dufour/DHS DHS Secretary Kristi Noem visits the U.S.-Mexico Border Wall in El Paso, Texas, April 28, 2025. Tia Dufour/DHS

  Noem rides an ATV along the U.S.-Mexico Border Wall in El Paso, Texas, April 28, 2025. Tia Dufour/DHS Noem rides an ATV along the U.S.-Mexico Border Wall in El Paso, Texas, April 28, 2025. Tia Dufour/DHS

In the photos, Noem sports her $60K gold Rolex watch — which she famously wore to the notorious hellhole prison in El Salvador and a meeting with Colombia’s foreign minister last month.

“The world is hearing our message: do not come to this country illegally. If you do, we will arrest you, deport you and you will never return,” DHS said in the post.

Only nine illegal migrants were released into the U.S. during Trump’s first 100 days, according to Trump’s border czar Tom Homan — a 99.99% decrease compared to the same period last year when 184,000 so-called “gotaways” were allowed to flow into the country under former President Joe Biden.

Illegal crossings at the US-Mexico border have indeed plunged this year. Last month border agents barely saw 7,000 migrants enter illegally – a record low.


  Noem seen on an ATV. Tia Dufour/DHS Noem seen on an ATV. Tia Dufour/DHS

  Noem travels from McGregor Range, Alamogordo, New Mexico, to El Paso International Airport, El Paso, Texas, April 28, 2025. Tia Dufour/DHS Noem travels from McGregor Range, Alamogordo, New Mexico, to El Paso International Airport, El Paso, Texas, April 28, 2025. Tia Dufour/DHS

That’s down 94% from the 137,000 people who poured across the border in the same month of last year. It follows February crossings of roughly 8,300 illegal migrants — the lowest in at least 25 years.

Yet the number of deportations has lagged in comparison to last year – possibly because officials have fewer people to deport.

Officials have deported around 61,000 people, according to the Department of Homeland Security, which is not on track to reach the 2024 number despite ramped-up ICE raids, revocation of certain student and traveler visas, and using the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to crack down on suspected migrant gang members.


  DHS Secretary Kristi Noem arrives at El Paso International Airport, on Monday. Tia Dufour/DHS DHS Secretary Kristi Noem arrives at El Paso International Airport, on Monday. Tia Dufour/DHS
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