Kristi Noem, as Secretary of Homeland Security, has been in the spotlight this week over several major decisions and policy developments affecting both domestic and international security.

On Wednesday, Kristi Noem arrived in Ecuador to assess strategic locations for potential Department of Homeland Security offices according to reporting by The Tico Times. Noem’s visit comes as Ecuador faces a surge in drug cartel violence with homicide rates having soared more than 600 percent over six years. During her trip, Noem met with both U.S. and Ecuadorian officials and toured military facilities in Manta and Salinas. The U.S. proposal depends on an upcoming Ecuadorian referendum that could decide whether to allow foreign bases for joint security operations, aiming to improve anti-narcotics efforts and address cross-border crime. Ecuadorian Defense Minister Gian Carlo Loffredo emphasized that the planned cooperation would focus on resources and technologies that Ecuador currently lacks. While the idea has sparked debate within Ecuador, both countries confirmed that the Galapagos Islands, earlier rumored as a site for a U.S. military presence, are not being considered for such a base at this time.

Back in the United States, Noem made headlines after she asserted that immigration enforcement agents had not arrested or detained any U.S. citizens during recent roundups. NPR fact-checked this claim and reported that her statement was false. According to NPR’s investigation, there have been cases where U.S. citizens, including military veterans and legal residents, were detained for extended periods during immigration sweeps. The Department of Homeland Security responded to such incidents by saying that detentions of U.S. citizens are rare and those mistakenly held are released after verifying their status. However, lawsuits have been filed alleging racial profiling and violation of civil rights, raising ongoing concerns about the scope of immigration enforcement activities.

Another major development this week was Noem’s decision to terminate Temporary Protected Status for South Sudan. The Associated Press reported that the Department of Homeland Security determined conditions in South Sudan no longer met the legal requirements for TPS, ending a program that since 2011 has let thousands of South Sudanese live and work in the U.S. This policy will take effect January fifth and is a significant setback for many in a country still facing political turmoil. South Sudanese nationals using federal mobile apps to depart could qualify for a complimentary flight home and a financial exit bonus. The termination comes amid broader efforts by the current administration to roll back protections for multiple immigrant groups.

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