Kristi Noem: Key Achievements in Her First 200 Days as Secretary of Homeland Security
In her first 200 days in office, Kristi Noem, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has implemented a series of measures focused on border security, international cooperation, cybersecurity, and emergency management. The results range from strategic international agreements to improvements in travel protocols and disaster response.
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- Border and Immigration Security
Under Noem’s leadership, DHS has reported a 93% reduction in daily encounters at the southern border. Key accomplishments include:
- 137 km of border wall planned or under construction, with new funding allocated.
- Deployment of surveillance and control technologies with an investment exceeding $5 billion.
- 99.98% reduction in migrant crossings through the Darién Gap in Panama.
- Collaboration with local and federal agencies to strengthen maritime and land security.
- Coordination of operations with ICE and CBP resulting in multiple arrests and humanitarian rescues.
- International Cooperation
In 200 days, DHS has signed 16 strategic agreements with different countries to enhance regional security and migration control:
- Colombia: biometric data exchange and electronic nationality verification.
- Mexico: strengthened information-sharing on air cargo.
- El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala: agreements to facilitate repatriation processes and security control.
- Argentina, Chile, and Ecuador: joint initiatives on migration, identity verification, and border cooperation.
These agreements aim to streamline the detection of high-risk individuals, strengthen repatriation processes, and ensure safer travel.
- Advances in Technology and Cybersecurity
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) reinforced its operations to protect data, critical systems, and prevent cyberattacks. Key achievements include:
- Launch of the Thorium platform for forensic analysis and malware protection.
- Issuance of more than 700 preventive alerts on cyber threats.
- Allocation of $100 million in grants to strengthen state and local government cybersecurity.
- Integration of new monitoring tools and early vulnerability detection systems.
- Improved Travel Experience
The DHS implemented changes in airport and transportation security:
- Elimination of the “shoes-off” policy at security checkpoints, speeding up passenger flow.
- Introduction of priority lanes for military personnel and families at selected airports.
- Full implementation of the REAL ID Act to strengthen identity verification for domestic and international travel.
- Disaster Preparedness and Response
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) revamped its internal processes to be more efficient and responsive in critical situations:
- Immediate resource distribution during Texas floods, with more than 8,000 rescue operations.
- Deployment of funds and specialized teams to accelerate emergency response.
- Coordination between state and federal authorities to enhance disaster response capabilities.
Conclusion
In her initial tenure, Secretary Kristi Noem has advanced policies centered on security, international cooperation, technological innovation, and emergency response. These achievements reflect a comprehensive approach to protecting the border, modernizing control systems, strengthening cybersecurity, and improving disaster readiness.
From: https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/08/14/secretary-noem-makes-history-first-200-days-office
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