U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited the U.S.–Mexico border wall in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, on August 19, 2025, to provide a security update alongside U.S. Border Patrol agents. During the briefing, Noem announced that the wall will be painted black, a directive initiated by President Trump to strengthen deterrence against illegal crossings. The measure is part of broader efforts to enhance the physical and operational effectiveness of the southern border.
Noem shared, “Today we are also going to be painting it black, that is specifically at the request of the President, who understands that in the hot temperatures down here, when something is painted black, it gets even warmer and it will make it even harder for people to climb.
“So we are going to be painting the entire southern border, wall black to make sure that we, encourage individuals to not come into our country illegally, to not break our federal laws, but that they will abide and come to our country the right way so that they can stay and have the opportunity to become United States citizens and pursue the American dream.”
Standing at the towering wall, Noem emphasized its size as a critical element in national security, adding that a country without borders cannot survive. The wall in Santa Teresa is among the tallest along the southern border, a point that reinforces the Trump administration’s focus on hardline immigration control. Border Patrol agents on the ground have reported continued efforts to halt illegal crossings, drug smuggling, and human trafficking in the region.
“Remember that a nation without borders is no nation at all. 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. Now, if you look at the structure that’s behind me, it’s tall, which makes it very, very difficult to climb, almost impossible,” Noem added.
In addition to her stop in Santa Teresa, Noem visited Ruidoso, New Mexico, to assess flood damage from storms in July. The visit allowed her to inspect recovery efforts and offer federal support to local communities affected by natural disasters.
