DHS Secretary Kristi Noem arrives in Phoenix ahead of border announcement

PHOENIX (NBC, KYMA) - Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem arrived in Phoenix Tuesday, drawing both strong support and sharp criticism as she begins a visit focused on border security.

She landed at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, where she was greeted by supporters ahead of a scheduled visit to the Arizona-Mexico border.

A line of U.S. Border Patrol agents stood waiting as Noem exited her aircraft.

Cheers erupted from more than 50 supporters gathered at the airport, and the secretary took time to shake hands and pose for selfies before departing.

Secretary Noem's visit comes as she prepares to travel to Nogales Wednesday, where she is expected to survey the border wall and receive briefings on border operations, but her appearance in Arizona is also amplifying concerns from protesters.

Tensions are rising amid rumors that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement could increase enforcement actions in the state following recent events in Minneapolis.

To watch the livestream of Noem's visit to Nogales, see attached video.