US slams report concerning controversial immigrant competition show

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) strongly denied a media report alleging that Secretary Kristi Noem supported a reality television show in which immigrants would compete for American citizenship.

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin issued a public statement titled “FAKE NEWS FRIDAY: DHS Torches Latest Media Hoax.” In it, McLaughlin said, “This is completely false. Daily Mail’s ‘reporting’ is an affront to journalism. Secretary Noem has not ‘backed’ nor is even aware of the pitch of any scripted or reality show. DHS receives hundreds of television show pitches a year, ranging from documentaries surrounding ICE and CBP border operations to white collar investigations by HSI. Each proposal undergoes a thorough vetting process prior to denial or approval. This pitch has not received approval or rejection by staff.”

The controversy began after the Daily Mail reported on Thursday, May 15, that Noem, 53, had expressed support for a reality series concept described by producer Rob Worsoff. According to The Wall Street Journal, Worsoff—a Canadian immigrant and former Duck Dynasty producer—had presented the concept to DHS officials and claimed to receive “positive” feedback from Trump administration members.

“This isn’t The Hunger Games for immigrants,” Worsoff told the Journal. “This is not, ‘Hey, if you lose, we are shipping you out on a boat out of the country.’” He explained that the proposed series would challenge contestants’ knowledge of American culture, history, and values.

Worsoff also said the same pitch had been presented during the Obama and Biden administrations but was rejected both times.