DHS criticizes Gen Z candidate over anti-ICE protest against Noem
The Department of Homeland Security has condemned a young political candidate for participating in an anti-ICE protest targeting South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between political figures and immigration enforcement advocates.
On October 3, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a strong rebuke against a Gen Z congressional candidate who joined an anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protest in Washington, D.C. The protest specifically raged against what demonstrators called 'crimes' committed by Kristi Noem, the governor of South Dakota and a prominent Republican figure.
According to DHS spokesperson statements reported by Fox News, the agency described the candidate's actions as 'dishonest and desperate,' accusing the protester of spreading misinformation about ICE operations. 'This kind of rhetoric undermines the vital work our officers do to protect the homeland,' the spokesperson said.
The controversy stems from Noem's recent vocal support for stricter ICE policies, including her criticism of the NFL for what she termed 'weak vows' regarding an ICE awareness show during the Super Bowl halftime, which featured performer Bad Bunny. Noem, in a Fox News interview, 'torched' the league, stating, 'The NFL's hesitation to fully back ICE sends the wrong message to Americans.'
Protesters, including the unnamed Gen Z candidate, gathered outside DHS headquarters, chanting against Noem's stance on immigration. One demonstrator quoted in reports said, 'Noem's policies are tearing families apart—ICE must be held accountable.'
Background context reveals escalating partisan divides on immigration. Noem has positioned herself as a hardliner, aligning with former President Trump's agenda, while critics from progressive circles view ICE actions as overly aggressive. No direct contradictions appear across sources, though Fox News emphasizes DHS's defense of Noem, while broader reports note the protest's focus on alleged overreach.
The event occurred amid other ICE-related news, such as the removal of the 'Iceblock' app from Apple and Google stores, which allowed users to report ICE sightings, but this app issue remains separate from the protest. Implications include potential impacts on the candidate's campaign and further polarization ahead of midterms.
No arrests were reported from the protest itself, unlike a separate incident where ICE detained a U.S. citizen, though details on that case, involving references to Justice Brett Kavanaugh, were not linked to this event.