Ohio native and DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin will step down this week amid ongoing controversy surrounding immigration enforcement and recent ICE-related shootings.
Tricia McLaughlin to Leave Department of Homeland Security
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio native Tricia McLaughlin will leave her position at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) this week, the agency confirmed.
McLaughlin’s departure comes during a turbulent period for DHS, which has faced intense scrutiny over immigration enforcement policies and recent officer-involved shootings in Minnesota. The agency has also been navigating funding uncertainty as Congress debates immigration-related restrictions.
DHS did not provide details about McLaughlin’s exact departure date, her reason for stepping down, or her next professional move. However, the agency released a statement from McLaughlin expressing gratitude for her time in the role.
“I am enormously grateful to President Trump, Secretary Noem, and the American people for the honor and privilege to serve this great nation,” McLaughlin said. “I am immensely proud of the team we built and the historic accomplishments achieved by this Administration and the Department of Homeland Security.”
McLaughlin, who describes herself as a “Grateful Ohioan” from Montgomery near Cincinnati, previously served as communications director for Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. She also worked as a senior advisor for businessman Vivek Ramaswamy during his 2024 presidential campaign.
As DHS assistant secretary and spokeswoman, McLaughlin became one of the agency’s most visible public defenders. She faced backlash following her comments about two Minnesota incidents involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
In one case, McLaughlin said Renee Good attempted to use a “deadly weapon” against an ICE agent before she was shot and killed. Video footage of the incident sparked differing interpretations regarding whether Good posed an immediate threat.
McLaughlin also referred to Alex Pretti as a “domestic terrorist” following his death in a separate ICE-related shooting. Video from that incident raised questions about initial claims that Pretti had threatened agents with a firearm. Both ICE officers involved in Pretti’s death have been placed on administrative leave pending investigation results.
The incidents drew bipartisan criticism. Recent national polls from organizations including PBS/NPR, Reuters, and the Associated Press-NORC suggest many Americans believe immigration enforcement actions have gone too far.
Despite the controversy, McLaughlin received praise from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who commended her work and public service.
“She has been a strong and fearless voice on behalf of President Trump and federal law enforcement,” Leavitt said in a statement wishing her well.
DHS announced that Lauren Bis, currently deputy assistant secretary for media relations, will assume McLaughlin’s role. Political commentator Katie Zacharia will serve as DHS spokeswoman, filling Bis’ current position.
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