Kristi Noem, the Homeland Security Secretary, is facing criticism online following the release of a social media video. The video shows her holding a rifle and pointing it towards the face of an officer.

The 20-second clip, posted on Tuesday, features Noem standing with two Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. She is seen handling a firearm while addressing the camera. Social media users quickly voiced concerns about the manner in which she was holding the weapon.

In the video, Noem states that she is with the officers to apprehend an individual suspected of human trafficking. She also mentions a previous operation that resulted in the capture of someone wanted for murder. She expresses her appreciation for the officers' work in making America safe.

Noem is dressed in an ICE vest, dark cargo pants, and a cap. While she speaks, the two officers stand by. However, many online users expressed worry about the safety of one of the officers due to the gun's positioning.

Commenters, including a military reporter, highlighted the dangerousness of the situation, pointing out that the muzzle of the rifle was aimed at the officer with the dust cover open, suggesting a chambered round. Others urged her to be more careful with the weapon.

Some users made references to Noem's past actions, including a comment from a Democratic Senator seemingly referencing her previous claim of shooting her dog. Another user compared the officer to a puppy.

A fellow Democrat provided a four-step guide on how Noem could have handled the situation differently. The guide included closing the ejection port and ending with a statement about stopping deportations without due process.

The Trump administration has faced scrutiny for its handling of recent deportations. One case involved a man who was "mistakenly" sent to an El Salvador prison. After a federal judge ordered his return to the United States, the Trump administration appealed to the Supreme Court, which temporarily paused the order. The man's lawyer expressed confidence that the Supreme Court would resolve the matter quickly. The appeal followed a court ruling that the government lacked the legal authority to deport someone lawfully present in the United States without due process.