The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), under the leadership of Secretary Kristi Noem, is doubling down on efforts to root out internal leakers by utilizing lie-detector tests, including on top officials. The agency confirmed it is “unapologetic” in its approach, citing national security concerns as justification for polygraph exams on personnel regardless of their status or tenure.
DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin confirmed to Fox News Digital that the department “can, should, and will” administer polygraph tests. She emphasized that the department is “agnostic” about whether a target of such testing is a career civil servant or political appointee. “We will track down leakers and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law,” McLaughlin stated.
The renewed scrutiny follows reports that FEMA Chief Cameron Hamilton underwent a polygraph in March after a high-level meeting involving Trump advisor Corey Lewandowski and DHS officials. The meeting reportedly discussed potential efforts by a future Trump administration to eliminate FEMA, which Trump has sharply criticized in the past. Hamilton was ultimately cleared by the polygraph.
Secretary Noem issued an internal directive earlier this year mandating that all DHS polygraphs include a question on unauthorized communications with the press and nonprofits. The move reflects the department’s growing concern about leaks jeopardizing law enforcement and national security operations.
Polygraph tests are already standard in other intelligence and federal law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, CIA, and ATF. DHS also requires them for new hires in Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and other divisions, focusing on evaluating “suitability for employment” and supporting “counterintelligence investigations.”
Concerns over internal leaks have been mounting within DHS. In February, former acting ICE Director Tom Homan alleged that sensitive information on upcoming immigration raids in California and Colorado had been leaked internally, allowing gang members—including those from Tren de Aragua—to escape arrest.
The Pentagon has similarly indicated it may use polygraph exams in a separate investigation into national security leaks. These moves mark a broader federal push to close ranks and protect classified or operational information from unauthorized disclosure.
Noem has sent a strong public message to potential border crossers and internal leakers alike. “Don’t even think about it,” she warned, reinforcing the administration’s hardline approach to both illegal immigration and internal dissent.
