Kristi Noem discussed the steps being taken by the Trump administration to make it more difficult to cross the US-Mexico border. The Department of Homeland Security Secretary also disclosed how Donald Trump made the request.
Trump and Noem, who have a history of using harsh tactics to keep immigrants out, have developed yet another preventative measure for the same reason. Noem revealed that the President intends to paint the border black on his visit there on Tuesday.
If coated black, the 30-foot steel barrier will heat up quickly in the sun, making it challenging to climb. In an interview with reporters, Noem disclosed the specifics of the same. “We are also going to paint it black today, specifically at the President’s request,” she started.
The DHS Secretary continued by stating that Trump has come to the conclusion that the steel border will become hotter due to the already high temperatures at the border. People will find it far more difficult to climb over as a result.
She explained the idea of painting the whole southern border black in order to deter people from breaking federal law and from entering our country illegally. Noem pointed out that doing so will motivate foreigners to follow US immigration regulations.
The entire southern border wall will be painted black, according to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, making it much more difficult for individuals to climb as it will get heated in the sun.
Specifically, the president requested that.rZZZhZ3SVx https://t.co/fDAt90dmk6pic.twitter.com
ABC News August 19, 2025 (@ABC)
The 53-year-old added that she hopes that by making the border black, immigrants will be more inclined to cross the border legally. She emphasized that this is the only option for these immigrants to have the chance to follow the American dream and obtain US citizenship.
Noem continued by expressing gratitude to President Trump for his understanding of the significance of a secure border. She added that because the US-Mexico border is so high, climbing it is challenging, if not impossible. Sections of the steel fence have already started to be painted, the DHS Secretary revealed.
Press representatives also asked Noem what she felt about the criticism that would be directed at the administration for subjecting immigrants to such severe conditions. Keep your hands off it. She noted that people have a choice.
Along the border in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, we are waiting for @DHSgovSecretary Kristi Noem to give a press conference.@Sec_Noem is anticipated to talk about the billions of dollars in upcoming infrastructure as well as the ongoing construction of a new border wall in this region.image.twitter.com/P29lTka1ny
August 19, 2025, Robert Holguin (@RobertKFOX14)
The DHSSecretary refrained from discussing the project’s details. She withheld information about the project’s estimated completion time and government costs.
At the Southern border, the number of arrests each day has fallen to a record low. Walter Slosar, the El Paso Sector’s Interim Chief Patrol Agent, disclosed that the average number of border crossings during a seven-day period is forty-one. The number for the same was 400 a year ago. About 2,300 immigrants crossed over in 2023, the year before.
