Secretary Kristi Noem’s recent visit to northern Vermont, following the tragic killing of U.S. Border Patrol agent David Maland, highlights some critical concerns regarding the condition of equipment available to Border Patrol agents in the Swanton Sector.
Noem’s comments on X formerly Twitter emphasized her shock at learning that some agents lacked snow tires during the visit, especially with harsh winter conditions impacting their work.
Her visit also provided her with an opportunity to meet with the family of Agent Maland and other members of the Border Patrol, including those stationed in Newport.
This came shortly after the deadly shootout on January 20, where Agent Maland was killed. While the situation remains under investigation, the visit drew attention to operational challenges faced by law enforcement in areas like northern Vermont, which deal with unique terrain and weather conditions.
Noem’s remarks about the need for better equipment, such as snow tires for vehicles, underscore a broader concern about the readiness and support of Border Patrol agents in areas like this.
Additionally, her visit has garnered attention from immigrant rights advocates, who have noted an increase in immigration enforcement in the region since Noem’s swearing-in and the beginning of President Trump’s second term.