The Department of Homeland Security has ditched its shiny “Defend the Homeland” branding added to ICE cars under former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s leadership — opting to return to vehicles with a lower profile, according to a report.
Months after Markwayne Mullin, 48, was confirmed to take over the Department of Homeland Security Secretary role from Noem, 54, the agency has taken on a more low-key approach to the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, Politico reported.
Several changes have been made under Mullin’s leadership, including the return of unmarked Immigration and Customs Enforcement vehicles as opposed to the flashy fleet used under Noem, which had the words “Defend the Homeland” and “President Donald J. Trump” on the side and rear window.
While Mullin and his deputies are still following Trump’s plan for mass deportations, they are not looking to cause the same level of protests that occurred under Noem’s leadership.
Instead of an onslaught of flashy social media videos and headline-grabbing daytime arrests, Mullin and other administration officials have turned to agreements that allow local and state law enforcement agencies to help identify and detain immigrants already in custody.
“It’s by design,” one person familiar with the strategic discussions within DHS told Politico. “Just like Mullin and [acting ICE chief David] Venturella want — quieter and smarter operations. Finally.”
White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson lauded Mullin’s implementation of Trump’s immigration agenda, telling Politico that “deportation numbers continue to increase” and said the border was the “most secure in history.”
DHS previously spent more than $2 million buying hundreds of new cars and custom wraps for the flashy fleet of ICE vehicles, The Independent previously reported.
The vehicles, which were painted to look like the president’s private jet, caused issues amongst ICE agents as many expressed concerns about using them.
“ICE has never had marked vehicles,” one person familiar with the purchases told The Washington Examiner earlier this year. “In talking to people, they’re like, ‘We don’t want to use these, we can’t.”
Another noted it was “ridiculous” to drive marked vehicles because “you don’t want to advertise what you’re doing.”
However, government contracts for the new fleet stated that the paint jobs and ICE branding were essential to agents being able to do their jobs.
In government documents reviewed by The Independent last summer, ICE was looking to scoop up 100 vehicles every 60 days, with a no-bid contract calling for a minimum of 1,000 vehicles with the new Trump-inspired livery.
“Without properly marked and equipped vehicles, newly hired staff cannot be deployed to the field, delaying the enforcement surge required to meet statutory and operational demands,” according to the request.
“Such delays create an operational gap that diminishes enforcement, undermines recruitment objectives, and places both public and officer safety at risk,” documents said.
The vehicles were reportedly purchased by Noem’s then-deputy Madison Sheahan, 29, who left the agency in January, two months before Noem was fired by Trump amidst the fallout.