Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem says her department has identified what she described as another “prolific leaker” and plans to refer the individual to the Department of Justice for potential felony prosecution.

In a post on X, Noem accused an unnamed Department of Homeland Security employee or contractor of improperly sharing information with a reporter from the Daily Mail. Without detailing the specific material involved, she claimed the alleged leak jeopardized federal law enforcement officers, particularly as immigration enforcement efforts intensify nationwide.

Tagging Daily Mail reporter Shawn Cohen directly in her message, Noem wrote that he had lost a source. She did not clarify what information was allegedly disclosed or how it may have affected ongoing operations. Cohen, a senior member of the outlet’s exclusives team and author of a true-crime book, has not been publicly linked to any specific leak beyond Noem’s accusation.

Noem said the department intends to pursue criminal charges and emphasized that no one would be shielded based on job status or tenure. She wrote that DHS would pursue leakers “to the fullest extent of the law,” regardless of whether they are political appointees or career civil servants.

The secretary also connected the alleged leak to what she characterized as a dramatic increase in threats against federal agents. She cited an “8,000% increase in death threats,” though she did not provide supporting data. In previous public remarks, Noem has claimed that certain immigration officers have faced bounties placed on them, statements she reiterated in recent months as enforcement operations have expanded.

Her announcement comes at a sensitive time for DHS. The agency has faced mounting scrutiny following incidents in Minnesota in which two civilians were killed by federal agents. The cases have prompted bipartisan calls for accountability and, from some lawmakers, demands that Noem step down.

This is not the first time Noem has vowed aggressive action against internal disclosures. Last year, she said two other individuals suspected of leaking sensitive information could face prison sentences of up to 10 years. DHS has since implemented expanded internal measures aimed at identifying unauthorized disclosures, including the possible use of polygraph tests and personnel changes within Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The crackdown reflects a broader effort by the Trump administration to tighten control over internal communications as it accelerates immigration enforcement. Officials argue that leaks can compromise investigations and endanger officers in the field. Critics, however, have raised concerns about transparency and the potential chilling effect on whistleblowers.

For now, DHS has not publicly identified the alleged leaker or provided evidence supporting the claims. It remains unclear what role, if any, the individual played in the reporting at issue.