Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced Tuesday that the entire southern border wall will be painted black at President Donald Trump’s direct request.

Speaking at a press briefing near a section of the border barrier in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, Noem explained the strategic reasoning behind the paint job:

“Now if you look at the structure that’s behind me, it’s tall, which makes it very, very difficult to climb, almost impossible. It also goes deep into the ground, which would make it very difficult, if not impossible, to dig under. And 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.”

On January 21, 2025, the Trump administration dramatically expanded the use of expedited removal procedures, allowing ICE to deport individuals anywhere in the United States without immigration court hearings. 

While border crossings are down in 2025, federal courts have documented multiple cases where the Trump administration deported individuals despite their legal status or in violation of court orders. Immigration attorneys report widespread violations of due process rights during the expanded enforcement operations. Families describe being deceived during routine check-ins, denied access to legal counsel, and prevented from arranging care for U.S. citizen children. Additionally, the majority of immigrants who have been detained do not have a criminal record or have been cited for minor offenses.

The enforcement expansion has also resulted in the detention and deportation of U.S. citizens, many times based on the color of their skin.

During his initial term, Trump had previously favored border wall prototypes featuring bollards painted in “flat black” to enhance heat absorption and make them too hot to touch. The administration had even tested black paint on sections of the wall in 2020 to evaluate its durability and deterrent effect.

In another photo op, Noem picked up a roller brush to help with the painting work herself.

The painting project is part of a broader $46.5 billion border security investment approved under Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” passed by Congress this summer. This funding will support not only the painting initiative but also the construction of an additional 700 miles of fencing along the 2,000-mile U.S.-Mexico border.

Noem reported that federal crews are currently building approximately half a mile of barrier every day. The border wall system includes various types of infrastructure beyond the steel bollard walls, incorporating water-borne barriers, all-weather roads, lighting, enforcement cameras, and detection technology.

While Noem did not provide a specific timeline or complete cost breakdown for the painting project, she indicated that not all contracts have been finalized yet, though work is proceeding rapidly. The Department of Homeland Security spokesperson noted that due to ongoing procurement processes, it would be imprudent to disclose costs as it could influence future bids.