DHS Polygraph Tests Employees to Identify Leakers, Changes Leadership

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reportedly begun administering polygraph tests on its employees in an attempt to determine who might be leaking information about planned immigration enforcement operations. 

Leadership Changes: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced Sunday that DHS will replace two of its top leadership positions. Todd Lyons will now serve as acting director of ICE, while Madison Sheahan will be named DHS’ deputy director. The reshuffling and the move to administer polygraph tests are seen as responses to both the leaks and the Trump administration’s frustration with the pace of deportation efforts.

Leaks: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and border czar Tom Homan have blamed lower-than-expected ICE arrest numbers on the leaks. Noem recently stated that two leakers have been identified within DHS who have endangered the lives of law enforcement personnel by revealing details about planned operations. DHS has used polygraph testing in the past to screen new hires. It's unclear how many employees have taken the polygraph so far, but Noem said the leakers will face up to 10 years in federal prison. “The Department of Homeland Security is a national security agency,” DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said. “We can, should, and will polygraph personnel.”

How The Media Covered It: Bloomberg Government (Lean Left bias) was the first to break the story about polygraphing DHS employees. Straight Arrow News (Center) and Associated Press (Left) tied the leadership changes at DHS to the leaks and lower arrest numbers, while other outlets across the political spectrum did not mention the leadership changes. An editor revised and published this summary with the help of AllSides AI.