Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem sparked a political firestorm with a blunt two-word response on X Thursday.
The post came after the ACLU voluntarily dropped a lawsuit filed on behalf of detained illegal migrants.
The lawsuit challenged the Trump administration’s decision to send some migrants to Guantánamo Bay detention center.
The ACLU suit argued the transfer violated federal law and constitutional rights of the plaintiffs.
Several migrants named in the suit had already been deported, while others chose not to continue the legal battle.
Noem, known as “ICE Barbie” for her flamboyant style, posted “Suck it” in response to the case’s dismissal, per the Daily Mail.
The direct and bold message divided reactions sharply along party lines on social media.
Conservative supporters praised Noem’s toughness, calling it the “best response ever.”
Pro-MAGA users celebrated her no-nonsense approach to immigration enforcement.
Critics labeled the comment unprofessional and referenced past controversies involving Noem.
Some opponents brought up a story where Noem admitted to shooting her dog, questioning her character.
Others questioned if such language was appropriate from the Homeland Security Secretary’s official account.
Noem’s two-word response was met with fierce criticism from leftists on X.
“You’re 53 years old, please take this down,” one user said.
“There might be a way for you to demonstrate less class, dignity, professionalism, and how unqualified for your role you are — but I’ll be damned if I can think of what it is,” another user wrote.
Under President Donald Trump, the Department of Homeland Security stepped up deportations targeting criminal gangs and undocumented migrants.
Noem’s department claimed some deportees were linked to Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua drug cartel.
Since February, over 4,000 migrants have been returned to Venezuela, some deported from the U.S. and others from Mexico.
The Trump administration designated Guantánamo Bay to house up to 30,000 of the “worst criminal aliens” and hard-to-deport individuals.
Noem declared Guantánamo would hold the “worst of the worst,” signaling a tough stance on illegal immigration.
Despite the controversy, the administration has touted a historic drop in illegal border crossings.
Noem has re-established the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) office to assist Americans affected by migrant crimes.
The VOICE office was originally created under Trump, eliminated by Biden, and revived under Noem’s leadership.
Noem has faced criticism for focusing on image and photo ops, including wearing flashy outfits during enforcement visits.
Some insiders claim her emphasis on public relations overshadows agency operations.
Still, Noem has made internal changes, including pushing out disloyal staff and requiring lie detector tests to stop leaks.
The ACLU lawsuit’s dismissal and Noem’s brash response reflect the administration’s zero-tolerance policy on illegal immigration.
Supporters see Noem’s message as a firm stand against lawlessness at the border and activist legal challenges.
Critics argue her tone undermines professionalism and damages the credibility of the Department of Homeland Security.
The controversy highlights the deep partisan divide over immigration policy and enforcement methods under the Trump administration.
Noem remains a polarizing figure, balancing tough immigration enforcement with a celebrity-style public image.
Her blunt two-word post on X marks a rare moment of candor in the ongoing battle over America’s border security.
