At the direction of President Donald J. Trump, the southern border wall will now be painted black—a move aimed at strengthening America’s defenses and further discouraging illegal crossings. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the policy Tuesday during a stop at the Santa Teresa Port of Entry, where she stood alongside Border Patrol agents and thanked the President for his unwavering commitment to border security.
“A nation without borders is no nation at all,” Noem declared. “And we’re so thankful that we have a president who understands that and understands that a secure border is important to our country’s future.”
Noem explained that the black paint will serve a dual purpose: protecting the steel barrier from rust while also making it more difficult for illegal immigrants to scale the wall. Under the desert sun, the metal will heat up, creating another deterrent. When asked about critics calling the measure harsh, Noem gave a simple response: “Don’t touch it. They have a choice.”
The move comes as Border Patrol data show historic success under Trump’s leadership. Apprehensions of illegal immigrants have plummeted, with the El Paso Sector—covering New Mexico and West Texas—reporting the lowest levels in decades. “In 2023, we had one day where there were 2,300 people apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol,” Interim Chief Walter Slosar noted. “We are now apprehending, by a seven-day average, about 41 people a day.”
Noem’s visit to New Mexico underscored her dual role: enforcing national security while also lending federal support to disaster-stricken communities. Earlier in the day, she joined local officials in Ruidoso, where repeated flash flooding devastated homes and infrastructure this summer.
“It’s nice to have someone from the federal level have such a great grasp on what is going to be needed to start rebuilding,” Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford said. “Secretary Noem recognizes the cascading events that continue to happen and the mitigation efforts that are going to be needed for the Forest Service lands, the Village of Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs and down into the Hondo Valley.”
From Ruidoso, Noem traveled to Santa Teresa, where she celebrated President Trump’s progress at the seven-month mark of his second administration. She pointed to the estimated 1.6 million illegal immigrants who have left the country, according to data from the Center for Immigration Statistics, and highlighted the administration’s sweeping legislative win—the “Big Beautiful Act.” That package invests $165 billion in Homeland Security, with $45.5 billion dedicated to border wall construction, $4.1 billion for staffing, and nearly $6 billion for advanced surveillance technology.
The results are undeniable: illegal border crossings down, communities safer, and enforcement stronger than at any time in recent history. Noem praised Trump’s leadership for making it possible, telling Border Patrol agents that this administration has their backs.
By showing up in both Ruidoso and Santa Teresa, Noem demonstrated the Trump administration’s commitment to both securing the homeland and helping New Mexicans recover from natural disasters. Her visit left many in the state reassured that, with Trump back in the White House, Washington is once again listening to New Mexico.
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