Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem on Tuesday was taken by ambulance to a Washington, D.C., area hospital.

"Secretary Noem had an allergic reaction today. She was transported to the hospital out of an abundance of caution. She is alert and recovering," DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement sent to Newsweek.

The Context

President Donald Trump has prioritized immigration control as a key pillar of his second administration, with Noem at the helm of DHS. Trump campaigned in 2024 on the promise of mass deportations.

Protests broke out last week in Los Angeles in reaction to numerous U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. Trump sent National Guard troops and U.S. Marines to the city amid the unrest, in defiance of California Governor Gavin Newsom's wishes. The move was ultimately reversed by a judge, restoring Newsom's power.

Noem was also involved in an incident during a news conference in Los Angeles last week amid the protests, where Democratic Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly removed by the Secret Service.

What To Know

CNN reports numerous Secret Service agents are posted at entrances of the hospital where Noem was admitted.

It is immediately unclear what caused Noem's purported allergic reaction.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem holds a news conference June 12 on the recent protests in Los Angeles. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem holds a news conference June 12 on the recent protests in Los Angeles. Associated Press What People Are Saying

Trump ally Bruce Levell on X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday: "My dear friend @Sec_Noem, our fearless Secretary of Homeland Security, was just rushed to the hospital. My heart is with her during this challenging time, but I know her strength and determination will shine through. Please join me in keeping Kristi in your prayers for a swift and full recovery. She has been tirelessly spearheading @realDonaldTrump initiative to uphold law and order and utilize ICE to keep our country safe from criminals. Let's stand strong for her, just as she's stood strong for America."

Nick Sortor, who co-hosts The Roundtable Show podcast, posted to X on Tuesday: "🚨 #BREAKING: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has been rushed to the hospital in DC I can confirm she went by ambulance about 45 minutes ago, and that ambulance was escorted by multiple Secret Service vehicles The nature of the emergency is unknown, but she is conscious and has spoken with her security detail. Pray for Kristi Noem. We need her."

Noem, on X after the L.A. news conference with Padilla this month: "After he interrupted our press conference with law enforcement, I met with Senator Padilla for 15 minutes. We probably disagree on 90% of the topics but we agreed to exchange phone numbers and we will continue to talk—that is the way it should be in this country. I wish he would've acted that way in the beginning rather than creating a scene."

What Happens Next

It is immediately unknown when Noem will be released from the hospital.

Update 6/17/25, 6:16 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.