Homeland Security Secretary to Visit San Diego Border

Kristi Noem to highlight border security and drug seizure efforts at Otay Mesa event

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem is expected to visit the border in San Diego County on Thursday for a news conference highlighting the Trump Administration's border security and drug interdiction efforts. Noem will be joined by Border Patrol Chief Mike Beaks and other Customs and Border Protection officials at the event in Otay Mesa.

Why it matters

Noem's visit comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the Department of Homeland Security's immigration enforcement tactics, including calls for her impeachment or firing from some congressional representatives following controversial incidents in Minnesota. The event also follows California Governor Gavin Newsom's recent announcement of expanded drug interdiction efforts at the state's southern border.

The details

The Otay Mesa event at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday is expected to showcase "the Trump Administration's historic border security and drug seizure efforts," according to a news release. Noem has faced criticism for her leadership style and remarks in the aftermath of shooting deaths during ICE operations, which some have seen as damaging. However, President Trump has defended Noem and indicated she will remain in his administration.

  • Noem is expected to visit the border in San Diego County on Thursday, February 13, 2026.
  • Last year, the number of National Guard servicemembers deployed at California's ports of entry was doubled as part of the White House's crackdown on transnational drug trafficking.

The players

Kristi Noem

The U.S. Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

Mike Beaks

The chief of the Border Patrol.

Greg Bovino

The former Border Patrol chief who was recalled from the Minnesota operation as border czar Tom Homan took the lead.

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California who recently touted the seizure of over $500 million worth of fentanyl across the state as part of expanded drug enforcement efforts at the southern border.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who has defended Noem and indicated she will remain in his administration.

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What they’re saying

“I think you have a secretary right now that needs to be accountable to the chaos and some of the tragedy that we have seen.”

— Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senator (NBC San Diego)

“Fentanyl is killing Californians every day — and we are meeting this crisis with action, not rhetoric.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California (NBC San Diego)

“Who closed up the border? She did, with Tom Homan, with the whole group. I mean, they've closed up the border. The border is a tremendous success.”

— Donald Trump (NBC San Diego)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This visit highlights the ongoing political tensions and policy debates around border security and immigration enforcement, with the Biden administration facing pressure from both sides as it seeks to balance security concerns with humanitarian considerations.