Homeland Security Chief Kristi Noem Advocates for Comprehensive Travel Ban on Countries Contributing to Violence and Exploitation in the U.S.
Kristi Noem on November 6, 2025, in Charleston, SC.
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ALEX BRANDON/POOL/AFP via Getty
### Homeland Security Secretary Calls for Broader Travel Bans
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has initiated a call for expanded travel restrictions from certain countries, emphasizing discussions with President Donald Trump regarding these measures. In a post on X on December 1, Noem expressed her support for a complete travel ban on countries she alleges have contributed to violence and illegal immigration into the United States.
Noem stated, “I met with [Trump] about implementing wider travel bans on every damn country that’s been flooding our nation with killers, leeches, and entitlement junkies.” Her remarks echo a growing sentiment among some lawmakers advocating for stricter immigration policies.
The Secretary expressed further frustrations with the current state of immigration, adding, “Our forefathers built this nation on blood, sweat, and the unyielding love of freedom—not for foreign invaders to slaughter our heroes, suck dry our hard-earned tax dollars, or snatch the benefits owed to Americans. WE DON’T WANT THEM. NOT ONE.”
Kristi Noem X post on Dec. 1, 2025.
Kristi Noem/X
Noem’s comments follow a recent announcement from Trump, who declared plans to “permanently pause” migration from all “Third World Countries,” a statement that did not specify which nations would be affected. Trump previously articulated that this policy aims to allow the immigration system to “fully recover” and eliminate certain individuals he described as “not a net asset” to the U.S.
The discussions come in the wake of a tragic shooting involving two National Guard members in Washington, D.C. on November 26. One of the victims, Sarah Beckstrom, 20, succumbed to her injuries the following day, while Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains hospitalized in critical condition.
The suspect in the shooting, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, faces charges including first-degree murder. Lakanwal, an Afghan national who served with U.S. troops in Afghanistan, entered the United States in 2021 and obtained asylum during the Trump administration.
President Donald Trump and Kristi Noem in the State Dining Room of the White House on October 08, 2025 in Washington, DC.
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In a follow-up discussion on November 30, Noem indicated that authorities believe Lakanwal had become “radicalized” during his time in the United States. She noted that further inquiries are underway to determine the nature of his connections.
Noem and Trump’s recent statements have further complicated ongoing immigration discussions, particularly as the Justice Department revealed that Noem decided to resume deportation flights despite a judge’s order halting them.
