DHS paints US-Mexico border wall black so it’s too hot to climb

Speaking from Santa Teresa, New Mexico, Noem said the decision was made to make the wall hotter under the sun, which would make it more difficult to climb. She also noted that painting the wall black will increase the lifespan of the metal. Noem emphasized that the request came directly from President Trump.

"If you look at the structure that's behind me, it's tall, which makes it very, very difficult to climb, almost impossible. It also goes deep into the ground, which would make it very difficult, if not impossible, to dig under. And today we are also going to be painting it black," Noem said.

"That is specifically at the request of the president, who understands that in the hot temperatures down here, when something is painted black, it gets even warmer, and it will make it even harder for people to climb," she continued. "So, we are going to be painting the entire southern border wall black to make sure that we encourage individuals to not come into our country illegally, to not break our federal laws, but that they will abide and come to our country the right way so that they can stay and have the opportunity to become United States citizens and pursue the American dream."

Noem also highlighted the “Big Beautiful Bill,” passed in July, which allocates "an incredible amount of resources" that will be used toward border wall construction. She said work is progressing at nearly half a mile per day and that the administration is investing in additional technology, including cameras and sensors, to strengthen security.

"Remember that a nation without borders is no nation at all," Noem said. "We're so thankful that we have a president that understands that and understands that a secure border is important to our country's future."