DHS Spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin To Exit After Messaging Scrutiny
Tricia McLaughlin will leave DHS with last day Feb. 27 after criticism over agency messaging tied to agent shootings; polls show public skepticism of DHS accounts.
Overview
Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for public affairs at DHS, will leave her post next week with her last day set for Feb. 27, two U.S. officials and DHS confirmed.
Her planned December exit was delayed after the Jan. 7 and Jan. 24 shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti that intensified scrutiny of DHS messaging.
Lawmakers and critics have faulted DHS public statements after videos and evidence contradicted agency claims, while Secretary Kristi Noem praised McLaughlin’s service and Democratic lawmakers called for an investigation into her husband’s contract.
Polls show public skepticism: a Quinnipiac poll earlier this month found 61%-25% doubted the administration's account of Pretti's shooting, a CBS poll in January found support for deportation fell to 46% from 59% and 61% said agents were 'too tough.'
A deputy, Lauren Bis, is expected to take over, high-ranking immigration officials have been summoned to testify on the crackdown, and oversight of DHS messaging remains pending.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame McLaughlin's exit as tied to controversy over aggressive immigration tactics and credibility issues, foregrounding unsubstantiated claims and political backlash. They use evaluative terms ("aggressive," "mass deportation"), prioritize critics and polling, highlight the husband's DHS contract, and juxtapose official praise with scrutiny to emphasize institutional tension.
Sources (14)
FAQ
Tricia McLaughlin planned to leave DHS in December but delayed her exit due to scrutiny over agency messaging following the fatal shootings of U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal immigration officers on January 7 and 24.
Lauren Bis, McLaughlin's deputy, is expected to be promoted to Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, with Katie Zacharia joining as deputy assistant secretary.
Renee Good and Alex Pretti, Minneapolis residents and U.S. citizens, were fatally shot by ICE and CBP officers respectively during the Trump administration's immigration enforcement operations, leading to intensified criticism of DHS.
Polls show declining support: a CBS poll found deportation support fell to 46% from 59%, with 61% believing agents are 'too tough'; a Quinnipiac poll showed 61%-25% doubting the administration's account of Pretti's shooting.
Democratic lawmakers called for investigation into a DHS contract awarded to the firm of McLaughlin’s husband, Ben Yoho, totaling over $200 million in ad contracts.
History
10 sources