"ICE Barbie", Border Wall, Black Paint, and Donald Trump

During a visit to a section of the wall in New Mexico, Noem, who is also known by the nickname “ICE Barbie”, explained that this measure was introduced “specifically at the request of U.S. President Donald Trump,” according to CBS News.

She symbolically took part in painting the wall herself, using a paint roller.

“When the metal is black, it becomes significantly hotter in the sun. This makes climbing attempts even more difficult and discourages those who try to enter our country illegally,” Noem said, adding that the move also “sends a clear message.”

In addition to its security function, the black paint helps prevent corrosion, noted U.S. Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks, who was also present at the event.

Completing the wall is part of the “One Big, Beautiful Bill,” which Congress passed this summer with President Trump’s support. The Department of Homeland Security has received about $46 billion for the project.

The Trump administration also authorized the military to control narrow strips of public land along the border that have been designated as military zones, providing additional oversight of movement.

Noem stated that the federal government is currently constructing about 800 meters of wall per day and that the appearance of the barriers depends on local geographic conditions.

In addition to physical barriers, the strategy also includes water management infrastructure, particularly in areas along the Rio Grande River.

The new measures come at a time when migrant apprehensions along the southern border have fallen sharply. CBS reported that just over 6,000 arrests were recorded in June.