By Charles Switzer
1:11pm PST, Feb 19, 2025
Noem Orders Lie Detector Tests for Homeland Security Staff
Homeland Security Secretary
Kristi Noem ordered staff within the department to undergo lie detector tests in an effort to root out leaks that have allegedly undermined immigration raids,
The Daily Beast reported.
This directive comes after recent high-profile operations, including a major raid in Colorado targeting Venezuelan gang members, resulted in minimal arrests. Despite deploying 400 agents, the operation only netted one alleged gang member, raising concerns that "leaks" within the department tipped off targets.
Noem's push for polygraphs appears to have been leaked itself, further highlighting internal tensions within the agency.
Here's what's happening.
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Controversy Over Polygraph Use in DHS
Noem's memo reportedly mandates that all DHS personnel take a polygraph, including being asked a specific question about unauthorized communications with the media and nonprofit organizations. The results of these tests, which have a long history of being unreliable and are generally inadmissible in court, will determine whether staffers can maintain access to classified information.
A DHS spokesperson confirmed the new policy, stating, "DHS is a national security agency. As such, it should and will polygraph personnel."
While DHS has used polygraphs in the hiring process for
border patrol agents, they have been criticized by lawmakers for their high failure rate and inconsistent results.
Fallout from the Failed Colorado Immigration Raid
Noem's crackdown stems largely from the fallout of a botched immigration raid in Aurora, Colo., aimed at capturing members of the Tren De Aragua (TDA) gang. The raid, which was expected to yield "hundreds" of arrests, resulted in just one suspect being detained.
Trump's former border czar,
Tom Homan, expressed outrage over the failed raid, warning of the dangers posed by leaks.
"This isn't a game," Homan told an outlet. "We know that TDA is dangerous. Everybody can agree to that, but when they get a heads-up that we are coming, it's only a matter of time before our officers are ambushed. Their job is dangerous enough. So we are going to address this very seriously."
DHS's History with Leaks and Internal Frustration
This latest move is part of a broader crackdown on leaks within the Trump administration's second term.
Noem's department, which oversees agencies such as Border Patrol, ICE and TSA, has been struggling with internal divisions, particularly regarding immigration enforcement. DHS leaks have been a persistent issue, with
high-profile information about border operations, policy discussions, and internal frustrations frequently finding its way into the press.
Critics argue that such leaks expose operational vulnerabilities, while others claim they serve as a check against overreach and abuse of power.
A Broader MAGA Crackdown on Information Flow
Noem's push for lie detector tests is reportedly part of a larger pattern of information control within the Trump administration's second term.
Reports recently surfaced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had barred staff from speaking with the media without prior authorization from senior officials.
This move follows efforts by other agencies to restrict press access and limit unauthorized disclosures. As Noem and other top officials tighten control over government agencies, tensions within federal departments are likely to continue escalating.
