Exposé of Kristi Noem's DHS agency spotlights age discrimination case

A 68-year-old retired Ohio police officer uncovered how ICE's hiring surge under former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem generated over 10,000 equal opportunity legal complaints, many related to age discrimination.

The retired police officer identified himself only using his first name, Doug.

According to PunchUp, a Substack created by Daily Beast journalist and broadcaster Tom Latchem, Doug was hired and trained by ICE after Noem announced removing the agency's age cap in August 2025.

Doug then received a tentative offer for an Atlanta position worth $127,000 plus $20,000 annual bonus. However, just before his scheduled start date in October, ICE rescinded the offer via email, stating he didn't meet age requirements.

By then, Doug had completed sworn training and studied a 400-page sensitive training manual.

Department of Homeland Security officials told Doug the agency faced approximately 10,000 similar complaints. An EEO officer revealed Noem never actually possessed the authority to eliminate the age cap — it was in fact, an HR issue.

Doug filed complaints seeking back pay and bonuses exceeding $40,000.

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