Protesters surrounded Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during a news conference in California on Thursday.
It appeared that Noem's voice was nearly drowned out at some points by people yelling and sirens blaring during a visit to Otay Mesa, San Diego, to discuss an update on border security and drug seizures along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Journalist Aaron Rupar pointed out how the press conference was physically set up, and how the view could have been obstructed as the volume of voices escalated around her. Video and images showed a large number of evidence bags and boxes surrounding her.
"Definitely sounds like protesters that are making the commotion behind Noem (also note that they've set up the news conference so you can't see anything behind her)," Rupar wrote on X.
Noem also appeared to have a hard time hearing questions through the commotion, Rupar added.
Noem has been criticized on multiple fronts, including her controversial handling of immigration enforcement, her role in overseeing the Trump administration's ICE operations that have been accused of excessive force — and even led to the death of two American citizens in Minneapolis — and her support for harsh border policies that critics argue are inhumane.
definitely sounds like protesters that are making the commotion behind Noem (also note that they've set up the news conference so you can't see anything behind her) pic.twitter.com/AUEUMjLH2G
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) February 12, 2026