Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited the San Diego border on Feb. 12, 2026, touting drug seizures and immigration arrests while facing protests and scrutiny over border policies and a potential shutdown.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited the U.S.-Mexico border near San Diego on February 12, 2026, for a news conference at Otay Mesa focused on border security and drug enforcement. She highlighted a 56% drop in fentanyl seizures and the seizure of over 188,000 pounds of drugs, including 7,400 pounds of fentanyl, while criticizing sanctuary policies in California and citing a 1,500% surge in immigration arrests in San Diego. The event drew loud protests, with demonstrators using sirens and chants, disrupting her remarks. The visit comes amid declining public approval of the administration’s immigration policies, legal challenges over razor wire installations on city land, and scrutiny of conservative influencer Nick Shirley’s videos in immigrant neighborhoods. Noem also warned of a potential government shutdown if funding is not approved.