ICE Barbie's Drugs Press Conference Disrupted by Protesters

Homeland security secretary Kristi Noem struggled to be heard over sirens and chants during a press conference on border security and drug seizures.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Homeland security secretary Kristi Noem held a press conference in San Diego, California to tout the Trump administration's success in the fight against drug cartels and increasing instances of assault against ICE agents. However, the event was disrupted by protesters who drowned out Noem's remarks with chants and the blaring of sirens.

Why it matters

The disruption of Noem's press conference highlights the ongoing tensions and public opposition to the Trump administration's hardline immigration and border security policies, particularly around the role of ICE. It also comes amid a looming Department of Homeland Security shutdown due to a funding dispute with Democratic lawmakers.

The details

Even before Noem took the stage, the venue was surrounded by 'evidence' boxes and what appeared to be bags of seized drugs. As Noem began reading her prepared remarks, the event was shrouded in incessant siren noise. When she tried to take questions, protesters joined the blaring sirens, causing Noem to struggle to hear from the press. Noem acknowledged the protesters were exercising their First Amendment rights, but criticized Democratic lawmakers for not funding the Department of Homeland Security.

  • The press conference took place on Thursday, February 13, 2026 in San Diego, California.

The players

Kristi Noem

The 54-year-old homeland security secretary who was struggling to be heard over the protesters during the press conference.

Tom Homan

The Trump administration's border czar who earlier on Thursday announced the end of immigration crackdown operations in Minnesota that had killed two Americans.

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What they’re saying

“Well, that–they're obviously expect–expressing their First Amendment rights, and we welcome that, as long as they do so peaceful–peacefully, I think it's a wonderful thing.”

— Kristi Noem, Homeland Security Secretary (The Daily Beast)

“We're concerned about the Department of Homeland Security not being funded. In fact, I think it's the wrong message to send to the world at this point in time. That's telling the rest of the world [that] the Democrat party doesn't think that protecting America is safe. It's the wrong message to send.”

— Kristi Noem, Homeland Security Secretary (The Daily Beast)

What’s next

A Department of Homeland Security shutdown is imminent after Democrats in the Senate blocked a measure funding the agency, citing dissatisfaction with concessions from the White House on several of their demands, including substantial reforms to ICE.

The takeaway

The disruption of Noem's press conference underscores the deep divisions and public opposition to the Trump administration's hardline immigration policies, particularly around the role of ICE. It also highlights the political tensions over funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which could lead to a government shutdown.