In a stern address on Fox News Monday evening, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem warned that those responsible for leaking internal agency information would face severe consequences. Noem asserted that her team has already identified several “leakers” whose actions have endangered the safety of law enforcement operations and compromised national security.
Drawing on recent events, Noem recalled that earlier this month she had hinted at the possibility that “corrupt” FBI agents might be behind a leaked memo detailing plans for a major Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid in the Los Angeles area—a memo that was later obtained by the Los Angeles Times. The incident has since intensified the department’s efforts to clamp down on unauthorized disclosures.
“We have discovered some of these leakers,” Noem declared. “They will be terminated, and there will be legal consequences. When individuals leak sensitive operational details to the press to compromise an ongoing operation, they not only undermine our work—they put our officers’ lives at risk.” Her message underscored the severity with which the department views such breaches, emphasizing that every measure is being taken to protect those who serve in the field.
Noem detailed the rigorous investigative methods being employed to track down the culprits, mentioning the use of polygraph tests and a thorough review of email communications and other digital records. “It’s incredible how certain bureaucrats, driven by personal agendas, will betray their colleagues just to save themselves,” she said. “Rest assured, we are employing every tool at our disposal to identify these individuals and ensure that they are held fully accountable.”
This crackdown comes at a time when the Trump administration has been aggressively reversing several policies implemented by the previous Biden-Harris leadership. Since President Donald Trump took office, ICE has been empowered to target and arrest “criminal aliens” including those accused of serious offenses like rape and murder. However, these actions have not been without controversy; protests in sanctuary cities such as Los Angeles have erupted in response to what many see as an overzealous mass deportation campaign.
The recent leak, which involved a memo outlining a “large-scale” ICE operation in the Los Angeles area set to take place before the end of the month, has only added fuel to the fire. During a segment on his show, host Sean Hannity pressed Noem on whether leaking such sensitive details constituted a criminal offense. “Absolutely,” Noem responded. “When someone breaks the law by leaking operational information, we have no choice but to prosecute them. This is not a game—it’s about protecting American lives.”
Noem’s resolute tone extended to her assurance that those serving alongside the department are highly valued. “We deeply respect every law enforcement officer who works with the Department of Homeland Security,” she stated. “Your safety and your families’ well-being are our utmost priorities. We will not hesitate to take action against anyone whose actions jeopardize that trust.”
The internal memo in question, which detailed plans for the upcoming raid, has prompted both Noem and Border Patrol Chief Tom Homan to announce that they are actively working to identify the source of the leak. Both officials have emphasized that protecting operational security is not only essential for the success of the mission but is also critical to ensuring that officers are not placed in harm’s way.
Bloomberg reported that following these events, DHS employees have been notified that polygraph tests will be administered as part of the internal review process. “This is an extraordinary step,” Noem noted, “but it’s necessary to maintain the integrity of our national security apparatus. We are committed to making sure that all internal communications remain secure and that any breach will be met with the full force of the law.”
While Noem’s approach has been met with support from many within law enforcement circles, critics warn that such stringent measures could potentially create a culture of fear among federal employees. However, Noem countered those concerns by reiterating her commitment to a safe working environment and the importance of transparency and accountability in maintaining public trust.
As the department ramps up its efforts to uncover and punish those responsible for leaking sensitive information, Noem’s message is clear: no act of betrayal will be tolerated. “We are a national security agency, and we will use every tool at our disposal—from polygraphs to digital forensics—to ensure that our operations are not compromised,” she affirmed. “To anyone out there thinking of leaking information to the press—know this: you are putting lives at risk, and we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”
