Kristi Noem was on the ground in Phoenix, Arizona, assisting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a high-profile deportation operation when she was physically confronted by a migrant suspect resisting arrest.
Noem, who has been a vocal advocate for stricter immigration enforcement, joined ICE officers during an early-morning raid targeting individuals with outstanding deportation orders. According to officials at the scene, a male suspect kicked at officers—and narrowly missed striking Noem—while being restrained during the arrest.
Despite the brief scuffle, no injuries were reported. The suspect was subdued and taken into custody without further incident. Law enforcement sources confirmed that the individual was already under a final order of removal and had evaded prior attempts at apprehension.
The operation was part of a broader federal initiative targeting areas with high concentrations of undocumented immigrants who have ignored court-ordered deportations. Noem’s participation in the raid was arranged in coordination with federal agencies and local law enforcement as part of her broader push to spotlight border security and immigration enforcement issues ahead of the upcoming election cycle.
During a press briefing following the operation, Noem reaffirmed her support for ICE and Border Patrol, stating that the federal government has a duty to uphold immigration laws and protect communities from what she described as a “national security crisis.”
The incident has drawn both praise and criticism online, with supporters calling Noem’s presence a sign of leadership and critics accusing her of politicizing immigration enforcement for public attention.
ICE officials later stated that the raid led to the arrest of multiple individuals with active deportation orders, and that the agency remains committed to conducting operations safely and lawfully, regardless of public or political presence.
Governor Noem has not indicated whether she will participate in future operations, but her office said she intends to continue advocating for aggressive enforcement of immigration law.