During her visit to the El Salvador Terrorism Confinement Center, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem garnered significant social media attention, not just for her presence at the facility, but for her choice of attire — notably, a $50,000 gold Rolex Cosmograph Daytona.

Dressed in a simple white long-sleeve top, gray slacks, and a baseball cap marked with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement logo, it was her watch that truly stood out against the somber backdrop of the prison, which is designed to hold up to 40,000 inmates.

Noem's visit was part of a trip to witness the ongoing deportation issues concerning hundreds of Venezuelan nationals, following a recent block by the D.C. Circuit Court against the Trump administration's attempt to resume those deportations. In juxtaposition, her luxury timepiece sparked widespread criticism online, with observers questioning the appropriateness of flaunting such an extravagant item in a facility predominantly housing serious offenders.

The prison, known as Cecot, has drawn attention for its controversial approach to handling gang violence in El Salvador, famously championed by President Nayib Bukele. Human rights advocates have criticized the government's tactics as excessively punitive.

In response to the criticisms regarding the watch, Tricia McLaughlin, the assistant secretary for public affairs at Homeland Security, elaborated that Noem purchased the watch with funds from her book sales, intending to one day pass it down to her children. However, she did not address the selection of this luxury item for a visit to such a troubled institution.

The Rolex Daytona, first launched in 1963, has become synonymous with high-status individuals, making Noem's choice particularly striking during a visit meant to address serious national security and humanitarian issues.