Former Sioux Falls Mayor Criticizes Noem's Tenure at DHS

Knobe says Noem's 'dreadful performance' proved she was unqualified for the role

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Rick Knobe, the former mayor of Sioux Falls, has criticized Kristi Noem's tenure as the head of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), calling her performance 'dreadful' and saying it proved she was unqualified for the role. Knobe is pleased that Noem has been fired from the position, but is concerned that the 'horrible behavior of ICE and the Border Patrol will not magically change for the better' under the new leadership of Markwayne Mullin, a Trump-aligned senator from Oklahoma.

Why it matters

Noem's time leading DHS was marked by allegations of incompetence, arrogance, wasted money, and poor personal behavior. Knobe believes Noem should face criminal charges for her actions, or lack thereof, as head of ICE and Border Patrol. The change in DHS leadership provides an opportunity for the Senate to thoroughly vet the new nominee and push for reforms to address the perceived issues with ICE and Border Patrol operations.

The details

Knobe, a former Sioux Falls mayor, is critical of Noem's tenure at DHS, citing her 'incompetence, arrogance, wasted money, lies, and poor personal behavior.' He says she 'lacks empathy and is unable to express sympathy.' Knobe believes Noem should face criminal charges for her actions, or lack thereof, as head of ICE and Border Patrol. While Noem's departure is seen as good news, Knobe is concerned that the 'horrible behavior of ICE and the Border Patrol will not magically change for the better' under the new leadership of Markwayne Mullin, a Trump-aligned senator from Oklahoma.

  • Kristi Noem was fired from her position as head of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
  • Noem has been given another 'cushy government job' by President Trump.

The players

Rick Knobe

The former mayor of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and a regular contributor to The South Dakota Standard.

Kristi Noem

The former South Dakota legislator, Congresswoman, and Governor who was fired from her position as head of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Markwayne Mullin

A senator from Oklahoma who has been appointed as the new head of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who fired Kristi Noem from her position as head of DHS and has given her another 'cushy government job.'

John Thune

A U.S. Senator from South Dakota.

Mike Rounds

A U.S. Senator from South Dakota.

Dusty Johnson

The U.S. Representative for South Dakota's at-large congressional district.

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What they’re saying

“Kristi Noem should face criminal charges for her actions, and lack of actions, as head of ICE and Border Patrol.”

— Rick Knobe, Former Sioux Falls Mayor (The South Dakota Standard)

“The new leader, Markwayne Mullin, an unknown senator from Oklahoma, is a Trumper. No surprise. We know nothing of his expertise, experience, his desires and the changes, if any, he wants to implement.”

— Rick Knobe, Former Sioux Falls Mayor (The South Dakota Standard)

What’s next

The Senate will need to thoroughly vet Markwayne Mullin, the new nominee for the head of the Department of Homeland Security, to determine his stance on issues like training, oversight, cooperation with state and local authorities, and the treatment of those in custody. This vetting process provides an opportunity to push for reforms to address the perceived issues with ICE and Border Patrol operations.

The takeaway

The dismissal of Kristi Noem as head of the Department of Homeland Security is seen as a positive step, but there are concerns that the underlying issues with ICE and Border Patrol will not be easily resolved under the new leadership. The Senate has an important role to play in ensuring that the new DHS head is committed to addressing the problems and implementing meaningful reforms.