Noem Handpicked Contractors for $100M ICE Recruitment Campaign

The DHS secretary sidestepped competitive bidding process, sources say

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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According to three administration officials and internal communications, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem handpicked contractors to lead a $100 million campaign to recruit Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, instead of allowing a competitive bidding process for the jobs. Typically, multiple companies are allowed to bid on a contract, but Noem made the decision herself, leading to concerns about transparency and accountability.

Why it matters

This case raises questions about the procurement process at the Department of Homeland Security under Noem's leadership, as well as concerns about potential political influence in government contracting decisions. The lack of a competitive bidding process could have resulted in higher costs or less qualified contractors being selected.

The details

In August, then-ICE deputy chief of staff Madison Sheahan threatened the job of an ICE employee for suggesting that the agency consider other contractors, saying the contract award was 'a decision made by the secretary'. Sheahan then called the employee to her office and yelled at him for overriding Noem by suggesting a cheaper contractor. The employee ultimately agreed to award the contracts to the companies Noem chose.

  • In August 2025, then-ICE deputy chief of staff Madison Sheahan threatened an ICE employee's job for suggesting other contractors.
  • In late 2025, the $100 million ICE recruitment campaign was rolled out, aimed at hiring 10,000 new officers.

The players

Kristi Noem

Former Secretary of Homeland Security who handpicked contractors for the $100 million ICE recruitment campaign instead of allowing a competitive bidding process.

Madison Sheahan

Former ICE deputy chief of staff who threatened an employee's job for suggesting other contractors for the recruitment campaign.

Todd Lyons

Acting ICE Director whose office was not involved in choosing the contractors, according to administration officials.

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What they’re saying

“The president approved ahead of time you spending $220 million running TV ads across the country in which you are featured prominently?”

— Senator John Kennedy, Republican Senator from Louisiana (NBC News)

“Yes sir, we went through the legal process.”

— Kristi Noem (NBC News)

What’s next

President Donald Trump is considering firing Noem and looking at possible replacements following her comments this week before lawmakers that rankled the president.

The takeaway

This case highlights concerns about transparency and accountability in government contracting decisions, as well as the potential for political influence to override standard procurement processes at the Department of Homeland Security under Noem's leadership.