A New Year's Eve celebration at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort provided a surprising and contrasting spectacle, as two of his most hardline immigration officials were filmed dancing joyously while the former president's youngest son appeared distinctly unmoved by the festivities.
An Icy Anthem for Immigration Enforcers
The spotlight fell on Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, who were captured on video dancing to the 1990s hit 'Ice Ice Baby' by Vanilla Ice. The footage was shot by Miller's wife, Katie, who also revealed she is expecting another child.
This cordial display between the two officials is notable given multiple reports of a frosty professional relationship. Media outlets reported in December that Miller and other senior White House figures had grown frustrated with Noem, accusing her of moving too slowly to increase the pace of deportations.
Both Noem and Miller hold pivotal roles in shaping and executing the administration's stringent immigration policy, central to which is Trump's promise of mass deportations.
Contrasting Reactions and Internal Tensions
In the video, Miller is seen nodding and smiling along to the music. When the camera pans to Noem, however, she throws her hands in the air and begins to dance more enthusiastically. The rapper Vanilla Ice, whose real name is Rob Van Winkle, also performed at the same Mar-a-Lago event the previous year.
The apparent camaraderie may paper over significant internal tensions. The Daily Mail has previously reported on a contentious relationship between Miller's top ally, border czar Tom Homan, and Noem's senior aide Corey Lewandowski. Lewandowski has accused Homan of leaking details about his efforts to obtain a firearm from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Noem, who has been nicknamed 'ICE Barbie' for her fully made-up appearance during operations with ICE officers, has sparked nationwide protests with her policy of deploying ICE officials to major urban centres.
Barron's Muted Presence and the Party's Attendees
In stark contrast to the dancing officials, Trump's 19-year-old son, Barron, was seen at the New Year's MAGA gala with a muted expression, standing between his parents, Melania and Donald Trump, at a table. The New York University student, who is famously camera-shy, has largely distanced himself from public life since his father's return to the Oval Office a year ago.
The lavish party was packed with C-list celebrities and conservative media influencers. It even featured a appearance by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In another social media video shared by top White House official Dan Scavino, Miller is seen singing along to the lyrics of 'Ice Ice Baby' while smiling into the camera.
Reactions on social media platform X were divided. One right-wing user commented, "ICE, ICE, BABY at Mar-a-Lago with Stephen Miller bopping and DHS Secretary Noem grooving. 2026 is all about deportations!" Another offered a less favourable take: "This is what I imagine hell is like."
